
Abilene Christian
(+3.5)

Utah Tech
(-3.5)
Highlights
Preview
ST. GEORGE, Utah (Interstat) — A Western Athletic Conference rematch with postseason implications is set for Thursday when Utah Tech hosts Abilene Christian at Burns Arena. The Trailblazers (17-12, 8-6 WAC), sitting above .500 both overall and in conference play, aim to solidify their standing and complete a regular-season sweep. Utah Tech won the first meeting 76-70 in Abilene on Jan. 29, part of a current two-game winning streak in the series. Utah Tech arrives with momentum from an 80-72 road win at Tarleton State on Saturday. Jusaun Holt led the way with 19 points and five assists, continuing a strong stretch. In the Jan. 29 win over Abilene Christian, Holt contributed 12 points and three assists. The Trailblazers’ offense, which has scored 80 or more points in three of its last five games, will test the Wildcats’ defense. Abilene Christian (13-14, 6-8) looks to reverse its recent fortunes against Utah Tech and climb back to .500. The Wildcats are coming off an 87-83 home victory over Southern Utah, sparked by guard Rich Smith’s 14 points and seven assists. Smith, a key facilitator, has dished out five or more assists in five of his last eight games. However, the Wildcats have struggled on the road, losing four of their last five away from home. Their defense, which allowed 76 points to Utah Tech in January, will need to contain a balanced Trailblazers attack that features Holt, Ethan Potter and Chance Trujillo. With the WAC tournament approaching, Utah Tech seeks to enhance its seeding while Abilene Christian fights to keep its season above water. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday.