Vipers Slither Past Toros

Hidalgo, TX; March 17, 2008- Kris Collins did not disappoint in his first start of his professional career. The former New Mexico Lobo paced the Rio Grande Valley Vipers offense with a career high 30 points in a 110-94 victory over the Southwest Division leading Austin Toros Sunday night at Dodge Arena. The win over their division rival was their first since their season opening win on November 23rd.

Collins was in the starting line-up as Quin Humphrey sat out with a shoulder injury and led three Vipers in double figures. Collins scored 18 first half points as the Vipers led 56-52 after two quarters.

The Vipers got some much-needed production from their bench as well. Former Texas-Pan American standout and Bob Hoffman recruit Sergio Sanchez had a career night. He scored a career high 13-points off the bench and registered a hug ovation from the Dodge Arena crowd when the 5-foot-8 Sanchez blocked a lay-up attempt from former LA Clipper guard Andre Barrett.

Desmon Farmer chipped in with 23 points in an off-shooting night for the Vipers leading scorer. Trent Strickland added nine points for RGV, while Ivan Johnson and Jesse Smith chipped in with eight points apiece. DeMarr Johnson led four Toros in double-figures with 21 points. Andre Barrett tallied 20 points of his own in the Austin loss. The Toros have now lost four in a row with the loss.