RGV Vipers vs Wisconsin Herd Home Opener: Troy Williams has another great night!

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers had their home opener tonight at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, TX.

The Vipers faced the Wisconsin Herd, the G-League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, the Vipers lost at the last second after a very close game. The final score was 115-113.

Starters for the Vipers:

• F – Troy Williams – #5
• F –  Zhou Qui (subbed for Tyler Lydon 0:30 second in) – #9
• C- Chinanu Onuaku – #23
• G- Monte Morris – #11
• G- Briante Weber –  #0

Troy Williams, the Rockets assignee, had a great night! At the half, he had 18 points. He finished with a total of 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for the night.

. @troywilliams_ with his 3rd @deliastamales 3️⃣ Pointer! Troy has 4 and we have 6 min. left in the 1st qtr. #FeelTheVenom #NBAGLeague pic.twitter.com/QUoLXeINY5

— RGV Vipers (@RGVVipers) November 7, 2017

Another top scorer, Briante Weber had 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in the home opener.

Rocket Players

Zhou Qi played a whopping 31 minutes, where he scored 15 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.  In addition, Demetrius Jackson had 27 minutes and scored 13 points. Let’s not forget, Chinanu Onuaku, another Rockets’ assignee who had 10 points and 9 rebounds in tonight’s game.

Throw it down big man!
Tied game 103-103
3 minutes left #FeelTheVenom #NBAGLeague pic.twitter.com/LfMUAdMSDV

— RGV Vipers (@RGVVipers) November 7, 2017

This game was very important for current Rockets assignees and two-way players specifically Zhou Qi because Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey was in attendance to watch. I would say that Zhou Qi made the most of the minutes he played tonight.

15 minutes from first significant minutes for Rockets unicorn @officialzhouqi tonight with @RGVVipers pic.twitter.com/1A3E3nGCpi

— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) November 7, 2017

Review of Last Season

The Vipers are currently 0-2 after their second loss at the hands of the Wisconsin Herd.  I am sure the team did not want this kind of start to their season but I believe the team will become stronger and get those wins!

The Vipers had an amazing season last year making it to the then D-League Finals.  As a fan, I expect nothing less than a G-League Finals Championship. (I’m totally serious)

I was heartbroken last season when we lost after being ahead 1-0. I literally cried and I’m not ashamed.

With their current roster, I believe the Vipers are playoff bound!

Next Game

The Vipers next game will be on Wednesday at State Farm Arena against the Austin Spurs (1-1). This is a fun rivalry, which draws a huge crowd, as many fans in the RGV are San Antonio Spurs fans. In addition, the Austin Spurs eliminated the Vipers from the playoffs in 2016. So we still take it pretty hard down here in the RGV.

If you live in the RGV, head to the game. You can purchase your tickets at http://rgvvipers.com or at the State Farm Arena box office. 

Can’t make it to the game? Tune into the game on NBA G-League Facebook Live. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Lastly, GO VIPERS!