Preview: Utah Tech Looks to Sweep Season Series at Texas-Arlington ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — A tightly contested Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball race brings Utah Tech to College Park Center on Thursday to face Texas-Arlington in a rematch of a double-overtime thriller earlier this month. The Utah Tech Trailblazers (16-11, 7-5 WAC) visit the Texas-Arlington Mavericks (14-11, 6-6) in a pivotal late-season matchup. Utah Tech won the first meeting 87-84 in double overtime on Feb. 5 in St. George, part of the Trailblazers’ current five-game winning streak. Texas-Arlington seeks to defend its home court and split the season series after having its three-game win streak snapped in a 78-73 home loss to Southern Utah on Saturday. The Mavericks have lost four of their last five. A key matchup will feature Utah Tech guard Noah Bolanga against Texas-Arlington’s Marcell McCreary. Bolanga is averaging 15.1 points per game during the Trailblazers’ win streak, including 18 points in a 70-65 victory over California Baptist last Saturday. McCreary led the Mavericks with 16 points and four rebounds in their last outing. Utah Tech has found momentum with a more consistent offensive attack, scoring 80 or more points in four of its last five wins. Texas-Arlington has struggled defensively during its recent skid, allowing an average of 78.2 points in its last five games. The Mavericks won at Utah Tech 56-52 on Jan. 15, demonstrating the defensive capability to slow the Trailblazers. Replicating that at home while improving their late-game execution after the recent overtime loss will be crucial. Thursday’s result will significantly impact the conference standings as both teams jockey for position ahead of the WAC tournament next month. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.