Tristen Newton scored a game-high 31 points and added nine rebounds and six assists to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 108-99 victory over the host Santa Cruz Warriors on Thursday night.

Daishen Nix had 15 points, 11 rebounds and a team-high seven assists for the Vipers (21-11). Efe Abogidi added 13 points and nine boards, and Cameron Matthews contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. John Knight III and Chase Jeter each scored 12 points.

Chance McMillian led the Santa Cruz Warriors (13-18) with 17 points. Trey Galloway scored 15 points off the bench. Marques Bolden, Taevion Kinsey and Jordan Hall each scored 12 points. Jacksen Moni added 11 points and seven rebounds.

The score was tied at 26 after the first quarter before Rio Grande Valley took control, outscoring Santa Cruz 30-16 in the second period to build a 56-42 halftime lead. The Vipers extended their advantage to as many as 22 points in the second half. Santa Cruz struggled with ball control, committing 21 turnovers that led to 22 points for the Vipers. The Warriors made several pushes to get back in the game, but Rio Grande Valley had an answer each time, with Newton throwing down a dunk with just over a minute remaining to help seal the victory.

Up next: The Rio Grande Valley Vipers visit the Santa Cruz Warriors on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.

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