MBB: WAC Vegas - Day One Preview
Top seeds take center stage as they look to survive and advance in a couple of intriguing matchups
It’s finally here!
Technically, WAC Vegas began on Tuesday in St. George, Utah, at Burns Arena.
But it’s not official.
WAC Vegas begins TODAY!
The women take center stage to start the day, and you can find the preview of Day 1 games here.
However, at 6 p.m. tonight at Orleans Arena, the men tip off in a pair of intriguing matchups with some interesting storylines.
Let’s take a look at both matchups.
1-Utah Valley vs. 9-Utah Tech
Tip: 6 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN+
A renewal of the Old Hammer Rivalry in the conference tournament? Why not?
Utah Tech snapped a 14-game losing streak on Tuesday in a win against its other rival, Southern Utah, to advance to Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchup.
The win sets up the third meeting between league-leading Utah Valley and the Trailblazers.
Utah Valley won both matchups against Utah Tech during the regular season. However, it didn’t come easy.
In Orem, on Jan. 18, Utah Tech took a 42-40 lead into the locker room at halftime. However, the Wolverines scored 56 points after the break en route to a 96-80 win.
In St. George on Feb. 20, Utah Valley got out to a 22-2 lead, and a 40-20 lead before Utah Tech came roaring back, eventually forcing overtime.
Tanner Toolson’s wild floater with about 14 seconds to play gave Utah Valley a 79-77 lead. And Utah Tech’s Beon Riley couldn’t get a 3-pointer to fall as time expired, which allowed Utah Valley to escape.
Beating a team three times in a season is hard. Utah Tech is a tough matchup for Utah Valley. The Trailblazers play a little smaller and a little more physical, which caused problems for the Wolverines.
Now, fresh off its first win since Jan. 11, can Utah Tech shock the world?
One thing to remember: Utah Valley struggles at Orleans Arena. The Wolverines have won just one game at Orleans Arena over the past five years.
The first game of the men’s bracket should be entertaining, especially considering it is a rivalry game.
2-Grand Canyon vs. 7-UT Arlington
Tip: 8:30 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN+
A rematch of the 2024 WAC Tournament championship game on the first night of WAC Vegas?
Sure, why not?
You remember it…Collin Moore threw down a windmill dunk late in the game, Akili Vining threw a fastball that hit Moore, and chaos ensued.
So, keep an eye on the heat between these two teams.
After suffering a loss in the final regular season game at ACU on Saturday, the Lopes enter the WAC Tournament as the 2-seed.
It wasn’t exactly what Lopes fans had in mind entering WAC Vegas.
However, GCU is at its home away from home in the Orleans Arena.
Remember…GCU has not lost a game to anyone not named New Mexico State in its time in the WAC in this building.
Three trips to the NCAA Tournament in the last four years.
GCU knows how to win in this building.
And GCU got some big news this week.
Tyon Grant-Foster will be back for WAC Vegas, per Bryce Drew.
GCU has been without Grant-Foster since a win on Feb. 15 against the same team the Lopes face in the WAC quarterfinals on Wednesday night at Orleans Arena.
Can UT Arlington pull off the upset? It might take an extraordinary effort from KT Turner’s crew.
The Mavs have the size and talent to match up. But the inconsistency around the perimeter and the inability to get defensive stops or close out ball games have hurt the Mavs all season.
Plus, with GCU coming off that loss to end the dream of possibly sharing the regular season title, it might be a rough night for the Mavericks.