Preview: Texas-Arlington at Utah Valley

VINEYARD, Utah (Interstat) — A key Western Athletic Conference rematch awaits Saturday when the Utah Valley Wolverines host the Texas-Arlington Mavericks at the UCCU Center.

The Wolverines (17-6, 6-2 WAC), sitting near the top of the conference standings, aim to complete a regular-season sweep after defeating the Mavericks 86-74 on Jan. 17. Utah Valley has won four of its last five, most recently a 68-55 defensive win over Abilene Christian on Thursday. Guard Trevan Leonhardt, who scored 14 points with six assists in the first meeting, directs the offense. He is averaging 7.3 assists over his last three games.

The Mavericks (14-8, 4-4) arrive seeking to stabilize their conference position and avenge January’s loss. They are coming off a draining 87-84 double-overtime road loss at Utah Tech on Thursday. In that game, guard Raysean Seamster played 44 minutes and scored a team-high 25 points. Seamster has been a consistent offensive catalyst, averaging 18.4 points over his last seven contests, including a 23-point performance in a win over Tarleton State on Jan. 21.

Utah Valley’s balance was key in the first matchup, as they shot 50% from the field and outrebounded UTA 38-30. Containing Leonhardt’s playmaking and improving interior defense will be focal points for the Mavericks.

For Utah Valley, maintaining its home-court advantage is crucial in a tight conference race. For Texas-Arlington, avoiding a third straight loss is imperative to keep pace. The Wolverines hold the overall record edge, but the Mavericks’ desperation, led by Seamster’s scoring prowess, sets the stage for a competitive WAC clash.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Saturday. The teams will meet again in Arlington just one week later, on Feb. 21.