ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington men's basketball (8-11, 1-4 WAC) enters Saturday afternoon's matinee at Abilene Christian (9-11, 1-4 WAC) with the opportunity to win back-to-back conference games for the first time this season. Saturday's game tips off at 3 p.m. CT at Moody Coliseum in Abilene and will be broadcast live on
ESPN+ and on the radio on the Varsity App, 102.5 FM and KTNO 620 AM with the Voice of the Mavs, Josh Sours.
UTA knocked off Seattle U 65-56 on Thursday night to seize its first WAC victory, while Abilene Christian defeated Tarleton State 67-56 at home for the Wildcats' first conference win.
The Mavericks had four players in double figures in their win on Thursday, paced by guard
Jaden Wells, who had 14 on 4-of-8 from distance. Forward/center
Lance Ware turned in another strong performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, his fifth double-double in his last eight games. Point guard
Brody Robinson did a little bit of everything for the Mavericks in the win, posting seven points and career highs in rebounds (10) and assists (nine).
The Wildcats are led by fourth-year head coach Brette Tanner. Prior to his time as head coach, Tanner spent eight seasons as Associate Head Coach under former ACU and current UTEP head coach Joe Golding. Before that, Tanner was the lead assistant at Stephen F. Austin. Tanner has also been an assistant at South Plains College (2004-06) and was a head coach at both Fort Scott (Kansas) CC and also worked for current Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard as an assistant for two seasons.
Abilene Christian is led by forward Leonardo Bettiol, who is averaging a team-high 14.0 ppg and 3.9 rpg. Guard Quion WIlliams (13.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg) is the other Wildcat who is averaging double figures this season.
Saturday's meeting between UTA and ACU will be the 33rd all-time, with the Wildcats holding a 22-10 advantage, including three of the past four dating back to 2021.
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