EDINBURG, Texas — LaQuan Butler scored a career-high 22 points and UT Rio Grande scored 48 points off 47 turnovers and the Vaqueros beat NCCAA-member Dallas Christian 116-51 on Sunday night.
The game marked the return to the court for the Vaqueros following the sudden death of coach Lew Hill at the age of 55 on Feb. 7.
In tribute to the defensive-minded Hill, the Vaqueros grabbed a program record 27 steals topping the previous school record of 24 set on Jan. 5, 1981 against Texas Lutheran. It was the first time the Vaqueros have forced at least 30 turnovers since forcing 30 at Texas State on Dec. 5, 2009.
The win is the first collegiate head coaching victory for interim head coach Jai Steadman, who is in his seventh season with the program.
Versache Buchanan led the Crusaders with 16 points.
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