LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinal defined by grit and missed opportunities, the Utah Valley Wolverines survived a fierce challenge from the Texas-Arlington Mavericks, escaping with a 67-65 victory Friday night at Orleans Arena.

The game, a taut defensive struggle that featured 10 ties and 15 lead changes, was ultimately decided in the final 19 seconds at the free-throw line. With the score knotted at 65, Utah Valley’s Jackson Holcombe was fouled on a drive to the basket. The 6-foot-7 forward from Charleston, South Carolina, calmly sank both free throws to put the Wolverines ahead for good.

Texas-Arlington had two chances to tie or win in the closing moments. Bahsil Laster’s driving jumper in the lane was swatted away by Utah Valley’s Isaac Hawkins with six seconds remaining. The Mavericks retained possession, and Raysean Seamster’s contested three-point attempt from the wing at the buzzer missed, sealing the Wolverines’ narrow triumph.

The contest was a stark contrast to the teams’ three regular-season meetings, all decisive Utah Valley victories by an average of 18.3 points. This time, the Mavericks, who finished the season 18-14, dictated the physical terms, dominating the paint with a 40-26 advantage and scoring 17 fast-break points to Utah Valley’s 10. Their aggressive defense forced 13 Wolverine turnovers, converting them into 16 points.

Utah Valley, which improved to 25-7 and advanced to the conference championship game, countered with perimeter shooting and rim protection. The Wolverines hit seven three-pointers to the Mavericks’ three, and their six blocked shots, four from Hawkins, altered numerous attempts at the rim.

The first half set the tone for the nail-biter, ending with Utah Valley holding a slim 33-29 lead. The Mavericks weathered an early storm, as Utah Valley’ Trevan Leonhardt and Braden Housley connected from deep. Texas-Arlington stayed close through the work of Laster and Tyran Mason, who attacked the basket relentlessly.

The second half saw neither team lead by more than five points. Utah Valley seemed to gain separation midway through the period when Leonhardt sparked a 7-0 run. His steal and dunk followed by a three-pointer gave the Wolverines a 54-47 lead with 10:13 to play, prompting a Texas-Arlington timeout.

The Mavericks responded with characteristic resilience. A 10-2 run, fueled by Seamster and Casmir Chavis, put them back in front 57-56. From there, the teams traded blows in a possession-by-possession fight. Holcombe’s mid-range jumper put Utah Valley up 64-61 with 4:45 left, but Seamster answered with a tough jumper and Laster drew a foul and made a free throw to tie the game at 64.

After a Utah Valley turnover, Laster gave the Mavericks their final lead, 65-64, on a free throw with 3:57 remaining. Both offenses then went cold, with the next two minutes scoreless, setting the stage for the dramatic final sequence.

Laster led all scorers with 18 points for Texas-Arlington. Seamster and Mason each added 14, with Mason’s coming on efficient 6-of-9 shooting. Chavis contributed 9 points and a game-high four steals.

Utah Valley was led by Holcombe’s 14 points and critical late free throws. Leonhardt, the steady guard from Kaysville, Utah, filled the stat sheet with 12 points, three assists and three steals. Housley added 10 points, and Sherman Weatherspoon chipped in 11, including two key three-pointers. Hawkins’ defensive presence was monumental, with his four blocks and nine rebounds anchoring the paint.

The game’s efficiency metrics underscored its razor-thin margin. Utah Valley scored 67 points on 66 possessions for an offensive rating of 101.0. Texas-Arlington scored 65 points on 64 possessions for a nearly identical rating of 100.9. The Wolverines’ slight edge in three-point shooting and their ability to secure the final defensive stop proved the minimal difference.

For Texas-Arlington, the loss concluded a season of marked improvement, particularly in conference play. For Utah Valley, the victory moved them one step closer to an NCAA tournament bid, requiring one more win in the WAC final to likely secure an automatic berth.