UTRGV Dominates Nicholls to Advance in Southland Conference Tournament
The UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) men’s basketball team secured a decisive victory over the Nicholls Colonels on Monday night, March 9, 2026, claiming an 86-68 win in the Southland Conference Tournament quarterfinal. The Vaqueros utilized a potent offensive display and disciplined defense to punch their ticket to the semifinals in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Game Breakdown: Early Momentum and Control
UTRGV wasted no time establishing their presence, jumping out to an early 12-2 lead. While Nicholls attempted a comeback with a spirited 12-0 run to briefly take a 22-21 lead, the Vaqueros quickly regained control. UTRGV responded with a 16-6 surge to close out the first half, with Jaylen Washington and Filip Brankovic both reaching double figures before the break.
The second half saw the Vaqueros firmly grip the game. Nicholls struggled to find a rhythm, leading for a total of only 33 seconds throughout the entire contest. At one point in the second half, UTRGV extended their lead to as many as 25 points, effectively sealing the outcome.
Standout Performances
The Vaqueros’ victory was a balanced effort, with five different players finishing in double figures. Filip Brankovic led the scoring charge with 21 points, shooting 9-of-12 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Koree Cotton provided critical support, contributing 18 points to the effort.
On the opposite side, Trae English led the Nicholls Colonels with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome UTRGV’s efficiency. The Vaqueros dominated the shooting percentages, hitting 58% of their field goals (31-53) and 50% of their three-pointers (12-24), while remaining perfect from the charity stripe at 100% (12-12).
“Just proud of our guys tonight,” said UTRGV head coach Kahil Fennell. “I thought our guys brought that from minute one. I thought we played exceptionally hard. I thought we played with discipline.”
Key Takeaways from the Victory
- Efficiency: UTRGV shot 58% from the field compared to Nicholls’ 44%.
- Perimeter Threat: The Vaqueros knocked down 12 three-pointers, while the Colonels managed only five.
- Resilience: After a 12-0 run by Nicholls, UTRGV responded immediately to regain the lead for the remainder of the game.
- Depth: Five UTRGV players finished with double-digit scoring.
Road to the Championship
With this victory, UTRGV advances to the Southland Conference tournament semifinals. The Vaqueros are scheduled to take the floor on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. In Lake Charles, where they will face the tournament hosts, McNeese, for a spot in Wednesday’s SLC championship game.
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