LAS VEGAS – The fourth-seeded UT Arlington Mavericks (18-14, 9-9 WAC) had their run in the 2026 Air Force Reserve WAC Basketball Tournament come to an end Friday night in the semifinals at the hands of top-seeded Utah Valley (25-7, 14-4). A frantic Mavericks' rally from 16 points down with just over nine minutes came up just short in a 67-65 final.
 
With 47 seconds remaining, UTA finally leveled the score at 65 with a pair of Cash Chavis free throws. It was the first time the Wolverines did not hold a lead since the game was tied 19-19 just 12 minutes in. However, UVU's All-WAC First-Team performer Jackson Holcombe was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both free throws with 18.5 ticks left to account for the final score.
 
The Mavericks had one last chance, and on its possession, a loose ball wound up in the hands of Raysean Seamster, who freed himself and unleashed a 24-footer from the right wing that hit the front iron at the buzzer.
 
The Mavs were attempting to overcome a double-digit deficit to win for the fifth time this season.
 
The semifinal was tightly contested throughout the first half as neither team led by more than five. Utah Valley was on top 33-29 at the break. In the second half, the Wolverines opened the game up with an 8-0 run to turn a 39-36 lead into a 47-36 advantage with 13:51 remaining. The lead eventually climbed to 16 before the Mavericks' pressure defense led to turnovers, driving baskets and free throws.
 
Bahsil Laster recorded a game-high 18 points and six rebounds to lead the Mavericks. Tyran Mason had 14 points for his ninth double-figure scoring game of the year and contributed a team-high seven boards. He was joined on the scoring line by Seamster (14).
 
This marked the 11th 18-win season in the 58 seasons in program history, dating back to 1968-69. It was the second such year in three seasons under head coach KT Turner.
 
– #BuckEm –
 
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