Preview: Utah Tech at Tarleton State

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A tightly contested Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball race continues Saturday when the Tarleton State Texans host the Utah Tech Trailblazers at Wisdom Gym.

Both teams enter the Jan. 31 matchup with nearly identical records. Utah Tech (12-11, 4-4 WAC) holds a slight edge over Tarleton State (11-10, 3-5) in the standings, fueled by a 75-71 home victory over the Texans just two weeks ago on Jan. 17.

That recent result adds a layer of urgency for the Texans, who have dropped five consecutive games. Their skid includes a lopsided 83-55 home loss to Utah Valley on Thursday. Guard Camron McDowell, a key player for Tarleton State, scored 25 points in the earlier loss to Utah Tech but was held to 12 in the defeat to Utah Valley.

The Trailblazers, meanwhile, arrive with momentum after a 76-70 road win at Abilene Christian on Thursday. Utah Tech has shown a pattern of following losses with wins in recent weeks.

The spotlight will be on the rematch between Utah Tech forward Ethan Potter and Tarleton State’s McDowell. Potter dominated the first meeting with 23 points and was instrumental in Thursday’s win with 16 points. Over his last eight games, Potter is averaging 18.5 points, including a 29-point outburst against Southern Utah on Jan. 24.

For the Texans to snap their streak, they will need to improve defensively after allowing an average of 79.2 points during their five-game slide. Containing Potter and generating more consistent scoring beyond McDowell will be critical.

The game tips off at 4 p.m. Central Time as part of a packed WAC schedule. Following this contest, Utah Tech returns home to face Texas-Arlington on Feb. 5, while Tarleton State begins a two-game road trip at California Baptist on the same date. These teams are scheduled to meet again in Stephenville on Feb. 21.