Texas vs. Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Salt Lake City Stars will seek immediate redemption when they host the Texas Legends in a G League rematch Tuesday night at Bruin Arena, just 24 hours after a heartbreaking overtime loss.
The Stars (25-18) fell 121-114 to the Legends on Monday, a result that snapped their three-game winning streak and will fuel their quick turnaround. The Legends (15-26), meanwhile, will aim to build on the momentum of one of their best victories of the season and secure a rare two-game sweep on the road.
A marquee backcourt matchup will highlight the contest. Salt Lake City is led by guard Max Abmas, who has been a consistent offensive force. In his last five games, Abmas is averaging 27.4 points and 5.0 assists, including a 33-point performance in a win over Oklahoma City on Feb. 19.
He will be countered by Texas’ dynamic Dalano Banton, who is coming off a spectacular stretch. Banton poured in 37 points in a loss at Memphis on March 3 and followed it with 33 points, six assists and five blocks in a road win at Oklahoma City on March 7. His two-way prowess was likely a key factor in Monday’s upset.
The standings add urgency for the home team. The Stars sit in a strong playoff position in the Western Conference, while the Legends are near the bottom of the standings. However, Monday’s result proved records can be irrelevant in a single game, especially with high-scoring guards capable of taking over.
Salt Lake City will look to leverage its home court and superior record to avoid a second consecutive loss, which would match its longest skid since early February. Texas, which had lost eight of nine prior to Monday’s win, now has a chance to string together consecutive victories for the first time since late January.
Following Tuesday’s game, the Stars begin a four-game road trip Friday at Rio Grande Valley. The Legends continue their swing through the West at Austin on Thursday.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST at Bruin Arena.