Preview: California Baptist at Texas-Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball clash is set for Saturday when the California Baptist Lancers visit the Texas-Arlington Mavericks at College Park Center.

Both teams enter with momentum and nearly identical records, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup. California Baptist (15-6 overall) has won five straight, while Texas-Arlington (14-6) has secured victories in four of its last five contests.

The Lancers are powered by the explosive scoring of guard Dominique Daniels, who is coming off a career performance. In a 78-71 overtime win against Utah Valley on Jan. 24, Daniels poured in 47 points, playing 43 minutes. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 24.7 points per contest.

Texas-Arlington counters with its own standout in guard Raysean Seamster. He led the Mavericks with 16 points and four assists in an 80-61 rout of Southern Utah on Thursday. Seamster has scored in double figures in five of his last six outings, including a 23-point effort in a win over Tarleton State on Jan. 21.

This matchup is a quick rematch from New Year’s Day, when the Mavericks defended their home court with a 63-51 victory. In that game, Texas-Arlington’s defense held California Baptist to its lowest scoring output of the season.

Since that loss, the Lancers have found their rhythm, particularly on offense. Their current five-game winning streak includes three victories by double digits.

The Mavericks have been strong at home in conference play, with their only recent blemish in Arlington being a non-conference loss to Tarleton State in late December.

Saturday’s result will have significant implications in the crowded WAC standings. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST.