Preview: Tarleton State Looks to Avenge Early Loss at Utah Valley

VINEYARD, Utah (Interstat) — A Western Athletic Conference women’s basketball rematch with contrasting momentum unfolds Thursday when the Tarleton State Texans visit the Utah Valley Wolverines at the UCCU Center.

The Texans (10-8, 3-2 WAC) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 51-37 defensive triumph over Texas-Arlington last Wednesday. The Wolverines (8-10, 1-4), however, have dropped five consecutive games since their last victory, which came against these same Texans.

Utah Valley dominated the first meeting this season, a 74-49 home win on Jan. 1. That game is part of a recent pattern for both teams. Tarleton State has found its footing after a 1-3 start to league play, while Utah Valley has struggled to close out games during its skid.

A key matchup will feature the backcourt. Tarleton State is led by guard Gia Adams, who is coming off a 12-point, 7-assist performance against UTA. Adams, however, was held to just 3 points in the first matchup with Utah Valley. The Texans will need her to be more aggressive offensively to reverse that result.

The Wolverines counter with guard Amanda Barcello, who exploded for 31 points in a losing effort against California Baptist last Saturday. Barcello scored 15 points in the Jan. 1 win over Tarleton State and is the focal point of Utah Valley’s offense. Containing her will be a primary objective for the Texans’ defense.

For Utah Valley, stopping its slide is imperative to keep its conference tournament positioning viable. For Tarleton State, the game represents a chance to prove its recent surge is legitimate and gain a measure of revenge on the road.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday. The teams will meet again in Stephenville, Texas, on Feb. 26.