BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) Nick Dixon scored 21 points and the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros earned its 10th win and its second straight to open Western Athletic Conference play by beating Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 87-74 on Thursday night.

The Vaqueros now have won four straight and seven of their last nine games.

Justin Davis scored on a layup to get Bakersfield within six, 61-55 with nine minutes left in the game, but the Vaqueros answered with an 11-0 run fueled by a jumper and two free throws by Xavier McDaniel, Jr.

Moe McDonald II and Terry Winn III each added 17 points for UTRGV (10-8, 2-0) and McDaniel added another 12.

Rickey Holden scored 18 points to lead Bakersfield, with Jarkel Joiner adding another 12.

The Roadrunners (7-10, 0-2) were winless on a three-game road trip and now have lost four straight.

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