Preview: Lamar Cardinals at Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Southland Conference men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Monday night as the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros host the Lamar Cardinals at UT Pan Am Field House. The Vaqueros (14-12 overall) enter with a winning record and momentum from a recent strong stretch, having won five of their last seven games. Their most recent outing was a 66-57 home loss to Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, which snapped a four-game winning streak. UTRGV will look to rebound behind junior guard Koree Cotton, who has been a consistent force. Cotton is averaging 16.1 points over his last eight contests and posted 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the loss to SFA. The visiting Lamar Cardinals (12-14) are seeking to halt a three-game skid, including a 76-63 defeat at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday. The Cardinals’ fortunes often hinge on the explosive scoring of guard Rob Lee. Lee poured in 24 points in that loss and has been on a tear, scoring 24 or more points in four of his last six games, including a 28-point performance in a win over Southeastern Louisiana on Feb. 2. This contest is a rematch of a non-conference game played on Dec. 16, 2025, which the Vaqueros won 83-72 in Beaumont, Texas. Monday’s game carries greater weight as both teams jockey for position in the Southland standings with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season. UTRGV boasts a stronger home record this season and will rely on its defensive pressure; the Vaqueros have held opponents to 65 points or fewer in three of their last five wins. Lamar, conversely, must find secondary scoring options to support Lee and improve its defense after allowing an average of 76.7 points during its current losing streak. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. EST tip-off on Feb. 16, 2026. Following this matchup, Lamar will host New Orleans on Feb. 21, while UTRGV hits the road to face Southeastern Louisiana on the same date.