UT Rio Grande Valley has program-best comeback to beat Lamar

Nov 24, 2018, 04:29 am

EDINBURG, Texas -- Lesley Varner II tied a career high with 21 points and UT Rio Grande Valley overcame a 24-point deficit to beat Lamar 77-75 on Friday night.

The Vaqueros (4-3) became the 28th team in NCAA history to overcome a deficit of 24 or more points while setting the program record with the comeback.

Javon Levi, who scored a career-high 19 points, sank back-to-back layups to give UT Rio Grande Valley its first lead of the game at 72-70 with 3:02 to go. Lamar retook the lead at 73-72, but the Vaqueros made 5 of 8 free throws to pull away for good.

The Cardinals (3-3) scored 21 straight to lead 28-4 in the first nine minutes. UT Rio Grande Valley closed the first half with an 18-6 run to cut the deficit to 42-34.

Jordan Jackson had 12 point, six rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Vaqueros.

Nick Garth had 17 points, Jordan Hunter scored 16, Josh Nzeakor added 15 points and 12 rebounds and T.J. Atwood scored 13 for Lamar.