Preview: Abilene Christian Wildcats at Texas-Arlington Mavericks ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Abilene Christian squad aims to bounce back from a narrow defeat when it visits Texas-Arlington in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Thursday. The Wildcats (17-7) enter College Park Center having won six of their last eight games, though they are coming off a 74-71 home loss to California Baptist on Saturday. The Mavericks (10-13) have shown recent resilience, winning two straight in overtime thrillers, including a 60-59 victory over Utah Valley. This contest is a quick rematch of a Jan. 10 meeting in Abilene, which the Wildcats won 59-56. Payton Hull, Abilene Christian’s dynamic guard, was instrumental in that first matchup and enters on a scoring tear. Over her last seven games, Hull is averaging 21.4 points, including a 28-point performance in a win over Utah Valley and a 27-point effort against Tarleton State. In the loss to Cal Baptist, she posted 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Texas-Arlington will counter with forward Laura Bello, who is coming off a strong double-double of 17 points and nine rebounds in the overtime win against Utah Valley. Her presence on the glass will be critical; she grabbed 15 rebounds in a loss to California Baptist on Jan. 31. The Wildcats have built their record on consistent offense and stout defense, holding opponents to 50 points or fewer three times in conference play. The Mavericks have struggled with consistency but have demonstrated an ability to win close games, with their last two victories coming by a combined three points. For Abilene Christian, maintaining its position near the top of the conference standings is paramount. For Texas-Arlington, protecting its home court and avenging January’s close loss provides ample motivation. The season series will conclude when these teams meet again in Arlington on March 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Thursday at College Park Center.