Levi lifts Texas Rio Grande Valley over Chicago St. 82-77

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CHICAGO (AP) — Javon Levi had 11 points and 10 assists to lead Texas Rio Grande Valley to an 82-77 win over Chicago State on Thursday night.

Lesley Varner II had 14 points and seven rebounds for Texas Rio Grande Valley (17-14, 8-6 Western Athletic Conference). Tyson Smith added 14 points. Solomon Hainna had 13 points for the visitors.

The Vaqueros were in trouble after the first half, heading into halftime trailing 46-35. But the visitors mounted a second-half rally to get back in it and ultimately earn the narrow five-point victory. The Cougars' 46 points in the first half marked a season high for the team.

Travon Bell scored a career-high 26 points for the Cougars (3-26, 0-14), whose losing streak reached 18 games. Delshon Strickland added 19 points. Anthony Harris had seven rebounds.

The Vaqueros improve to 2-0 against the Cougars on the season. Texas Rio Grande Valley defeated Chicago State 77-46 on Jan. 31. Texas Rio Grande Valley takes on UMKC on the road on Saturday. Chicago State takes on New Mexico State at home on Saturday.