CEDAR CITY, Utah (Interstat) — A Western Athletic Conference matchup featuring teams trending in opposite directions tips off Saturday when the Texas-Arlington Mavericks visit the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Centrum Arena.

The Mavericks (9-5) enter with momentum from a 63-51 home victory over California Baptist on Thursday. Guard Marcell McCreary led the way with 14 points and has been a consistent force, scoring in double figures in six consecutive games. Texas-Arlington has won three of its last four, with the only loss in that stretch a narrow six-point defeat to Tarleton State.

Southern Utah (4-10) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently an 80-66 road loss to Utah Tech on Dec. 29. The Thunderbirds’ season has been marked by struggles, particularly on the road where they have endured lopsided defeats at Gonzaga and Washington. They will look to forward Dylan Jones, who posted 12 points in the loss to Utah Tech, for a spark at home.

The game presents a stark contrast in records, but marks the beginning of the WAC schedule for both teams. Texas-Arlington has shown resilience in close games, including an overtime win at UT Rio Grande Valley and a one-point road victory at Weber State. Southern Utah’s lone bright spot in recent weeks was a 124-59 rout of non-Division I West Coast Baptist.

Defense figures to be a key factor. The Mavericks have held opponents to 63 points or fewer in four of their last five wins. The Thunderbirds, conversely, have allowed 80 or more points in five of their ten losses this season.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the programs this season. They are slated to meet again in Arlington on Jan. 29.

Saturday’s contest offers Texas-Arlington a chance to solidify its strong start, while Southern Utah aims to find footing and open conference play with an upset at home.