LAKE CHARLES, La. — No. 4 seed UTRGV earned its first Southland Conference Tournament victory Tuesday morning, defeating No. 5 seed Northwestern State 76–67 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Basketball Championships presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

In just their second season in the league, the Vaqueros advanced to the semifinals for the first time after falling in their tournament opener a year ago.

UTRGV used a dominant third quarter to take control of the contest. After trailing 28–27 at halftime, the Vaqueros erupted for 30 points in the third while holding the Lady Demons to just 14, turning a one-point deficit into a 57–42 lead entering the final period.

Jalayah Ingram paced UTRGV with 22 points, going a perfect 12-for-12 at the free throw line while adding eight rebounds and six assists. Charlotte O’Keefe recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Gianna Angiolet chipped in 11 points. Chazlyn Dettor also finished with 10 points for the Vaqueros.

UTRGV shot 47 percent from the field and was flawless at the free throw line, converting all 20 of its attempts. The mark ties for the second-best free throw performance in Southland Conference Tournament history, trailing only Northwestern State’s 21-for-21 showing against McNeese in 2000. The Vaqueros also controlled the glass with a 36–30 rebounding advantage and scored 32 points in the paint.

Northwestern State was led by Nya Valentine with 30 points, while Southland Player of the Year Vernell Atamah added 17 points and five rebounds.

With the win, UTRGV improves to 20–12 and advances to face top-seeded McNeese in the semifinals Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. CT on ESPN+.