Jeremy Sochan leads Texas into a two-game homestand as the Legends look to rebound from consecutive road losses against Mexico City.
STWF SPORTS | FRISCO, Texas | November 13, 2026 – The Texas Legends return to familiar territory Friday night, looking to secure their first victory of the 2026-27 NBA G League preseason when they host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in their home opener.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT as Texas (0-2) begins a two-game homestand against Rio Grande Valley (1-1).
After dropping consecutive road games against the Mexico City Capitanes, the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate will look to capitalize on its first opportunity to play in front of its home crowd.
Friday’s contest also begins an important stretch for a Legends team seeking offensive consistency and improved defensive execution.
Texas Legends: A Legacy of Resilience
Legends Look to Rebound After Mexico City Road Trip
Texas opened its preseason with a 107-91 loss against Mexico City on November 8 before suffering a narrow 97-93 defeat two nights later.
Despite the winless start, the Legends demonstrated encouraging signs during their second matchup.
Trailing by as many as 18 points, Texas mounted an impressive fourth-quarter comeback, using a 12-0 run to cut the deficit to three.
Adam Flagler eventually tied the contest at 90 with a clutch three-pointer, but Mexico City closed with a 7-3 scoring advantage.
The performance highlighted Texas’ resilience while exposing areas requiring improvement.
Through two games, the Legends are averaging 92 points while allowing 102 per contest.
Texas is shooting 38.8 percent from the field but an encouraging 38.6 percent from three-point range.
Jeremy Sochan Anchors Legends’ Attack
Jeremy Sochan has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 16.5 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals through two preseason appearances.
The versatile forward brings valuable NBA experience and provides the Legends with scoring, playmaking and defensive flexibility.
Sochan recorded nine points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and three steals during Tuesday’s loss to Mexico City.
His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories will be important against a Vipers team averaging 47 rebounds per game.
Texas will also rely on Chris Mantis, who enters Friday averaging 11.5 points.
Mantis scored 21 points against Mexico City, connecting on five three-pointers.
Cross and Green Provide Offensive Depth
Matt Cross has supplied productive minutes off the bench, averaging 15 points and 9.5 rebounds.
Cross delivered a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds in Texas’ most recent outing.
Darin Green Jr. has also emerged as an offensive contributor, averaging 13.5 points through two appearances.
Flagler enters the home opener averaging 9.5 points and four assists.
Together, the group provides Texas with multiple scoring options as the Legends attempt to establish a more consistent offensive rhythm.
Vipers Bring Size and Balanced Scoring
Rio Grande Valley enters the matchup averaging 104.5 points while allowing 98 per game.
Julian Phillips leads the Vipers with 18.5 points per contest, while Tyler Smith contributes 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Veteran center Omer Yurtseven adds 14 points and eight rebounds, giving Rio Grande Valley a significant interior presence.
Cameron Matthews averages 12 points, while Quadir Copeland contributes 11 points, 6.5 rebounds and six assists.
Point guard Dajuan Harris provides additional playmaking, averaging 12 assists.
The Vipers’ rebounding advantage could become a determining factor against a Texas team averaging 40.5 rebounds.
Legends Face Important Early-Season Test
Historically, Rio Grande Valley has controlled the matchup, holding a 6-2 advantage in the preseason series.
Texas is 1-3 against the Vipers at home and split last season’s two preseason meetings.
The Legends secured a 119-110 victory on November 13, 2025, before falling 133-126 two nights later.
Friday’s contest provides an opportunity to reverse that trend.
Texas must also improve its ball security after averaging 22.5 turnovers through its opening two games.
Limiting mistakes, controlling defensive rebounds and generating quality scoring opportunities will be essential.
Player Availability and Broadcast Information
Dallas Mavericks two-way players Walter Clayton Jr., Jett Howard and Tobi Lawal are listed as out due to NBA assignments.
Seth Lundy, who is averaging 20 points, is questionable with a left quadriceps injury.
Fans can follow the matchup through the WFAA app, KFAA, MavsTV and NBA.com, according to the Legends’ game notes.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
The Legends enter Friday’s home opener searching for their first victory, but their recent comeback against Mexico City provides encouraging momentum.
Sochan’s versatility, Cross’ rebounding and the perimeter production of Mantis and Green offer a foundation for improvement.
The biggest challenge will be protecting the basketball, improving defensive consistency and matching Rio Grande Valley’s physical presence inside.
With another meeting against the Vipers scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m. CT, Texas has an opportunity to build early-season momentum during its opening homestand.
For the Legends, Friday represents more than a home opener. It is an opportunity to turn promising performances into their first victory.
STWF Sports | Texas Legends Coverage | NBA G League 2026–27 Season
