STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Abilene Christian built a large early lead and held off a late Tarleton State rally for an 84-80 victory in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Wisdom Gym.

The Wildcats led 46-38 at halftime and by as many as 18 points in the first half before the Texans chipped away. Tarleton State’s Dior Johnson scored a game-high 33 points, but Abilene Christian’s Bradyn Hubbard answered with 22 points. The Texans closed to within two points late, but clutch free throws by Rich Smith, who had 16 points, sealed the win for the Wildcats.

Abilene Christian improved to 10-6 overall. Tarleton State fell to 11-6. Attendance was 1,567.