VINEYARD, Utah (Interstat) — A Western Athletic Conference rematch with playoff implications tips off Thursday when the Utah Valley Wolverines host the Abilene Christian Wildcats at the UCCU Center. The Wolverines (16-6, 5-3 WAC) enter as one of the conference’s top teams, seeking to avenge an 85-68 road loss to the Wildcats on Jan. 3. Utah Valley has won three of its last four, including a dominant 83-55 victory at Tarleton State on Jan. 29. Guard Trevan Leonhardt, who scored 20 points in that win, leads a balanced attack. He averages 15.2 points and 4.8 assists per game over his last six contests. Abilene Christian (10-11, 3-5) looks to snap a five-game skid and recapture the form that produced January’s lopsided win over Utah Valley. The Wildcats’ recent struggles include a 79-76 home loss to Southern Utah on Jan. 31. Their success hinges on guard Rich Smith, who is averaging 14.5 points and 5.3 assists over the last six games. He scored 18 points with five assists in the most recent loss. The Wildcats’ defense, which forced 18 turnovers in the first meeting, will be tested by Utah Valley’s efficient offense. The Wolverines average 82.1 points per game at home. Utah Valley’s 9-1 record at the UCCU Center contrasts with Abilene Christian’s 2-7 road mark. A Utah Valley win would solidify its standing in the upper tier of the WAC, while an Abilene Christian victory would provide a crucial road resume boost and even the season series. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.