Abilene Christian University secured a resounding victory with an 87-79 win against UT-Rio Grande Valley in an exciting match-up. Hunter Jack Madden led the Wildcats with a remarkable performance, achieving a career-high 27 points.
Throughout the game, the Wildcats maintained the lead, despite pressure from the Vaqueros, resulting in a 37-31 lead for ACU at halftime. The team’s impressive shooting performance continued in the second half, with a 64.3 percent field goal percentage, securing 50 points and withstanding a strong shooting display from their opponents.
Although UTRGV briefly took the lead in the second half, ACU responded quickly, with Leonardo Bettiol’s crucial basket giving his team a 55-54 lead at the 12:36 mark. This marked a turning point, as ACU maintained their lead with a remarkable 17-4 run, with multiple players contributing valuable points to the team’s success.
Madden’s outstanding performance included 10 of 13 field goals and three successful three-point attempts. Additionally, five Wildcats reached double figures, with Ali Abdou Dibba showcasing a remarkable double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bettiol contributed 15 points, while Airion Simmons and Kavion McClain added 13 and 11 points respectively, with McClain also achieving a season-best eight assists.
The Wildcats’ exceptional shooting resulted in an overall field goal percentage of 61.4 percent, highlighting their remarkable offensive prowess.
With this crucial win, ACU’s overall record now stands at 9-15, with a 4-9 record in the competitive Western Athletic Conference. The Wildcats will conclude their challenging four-game road series with a highly anticipated fixture against Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
This emphatic victory highlights the Wildcats’ determination and ability to deliver under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their competitive season.