MBB: WAC Vegas - Day Two Preview
Will Thursday bring a little more competitive spirit to Orleans Arena?
If you were paying attention, outside of a game that featured five technical fouls and an ejection, Day One of the 2025 WAC Tournament went pretty much as expected.
Top seed Utah Valley beat rival Utah Tech for the third time this season to advance to Friday’s semifinals.
And in the nightcap, defending champion GCU scored a tournament-record 98 points in a 23-point win over UT Arlington.
While entertaining at times, it was a little bit of a snoozefest at Orleans Arena.
Will Thursday bring us a pair of competitive games when things tip at 6 p.m. PT in Sin City?
Let’s get to it.
4-Abilene Christian vs. 5-Seattle U
Tip: 6 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN+
Thursday night’s first game features two teams that play very different styles of basketball.
Seattle U likes to get after you defensively and slow the game down, almost to a halt.
ACU likes to get after you defensively but then wants to attack as fast as possible on offense.
The two teams split the season series, with each team winning on their home floor.
The Redhawks won 66-64 on Jan. 11 at Climate Pledge Arena
ACU returned the favor on Feb. 13 at Moody Coliseum with a 75-59 win.
The Wildcats have won seven of their last nine games, including an 82-81 overtime win over GCU to end the regular season.
The Redhawks have won three of their last four, including a sweep of Southern Utah and Utah Tech to end the regular season.
Everyone knows how good Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe is for Seattle U., and everyone knows how important Leo Bettiol is for ACU.
However, two players for each team could have an impact on Thursday night.
Seattle U guard John Christofilis and ACU guard Hunter Jack Madden.
Both can light it up from the perimeter, which will have a huge impact on the outcome of the first quarterfinal of the night.
3-California Baptist vs. 6-Tarleton State
Again, another game featuring two teams that play two very different styles of basketball.
CBU likes to get up and down and attack the basket, especially with point guard Dom Daniels Jr.
Tarleton loves to pressure the perimeter, force turnovers, and grind the ball game to almost a halt.
The two teams also split the season series, with each winning on their home floor.
CBU most recently beat the Texans one week ago in Riverside. However, the Texans played without Freddy Hicks.
So, what will the rubber match bring?
Keep an eye on Chris Mpaka for Tarleton State. Mpaka anchors the paint for the Texans, and his physicality and athleticism could cause problems for the Lancers.
Freddy Hicks is also going to play. The experience, and mismatch problem could create issues for the Lancers on the defensive end.
For CBU, Kendal Coleman and Javonte Johnson are going to have to have a big night if the Lancers want to advance.
Coleman is skilled around the basket and can step out and knock down a 3-pointer.
Johnson, a Colorado State transfer, had 19 points against the Texans one week ago in Riverside.
Thursday’s nightcap will be extremely physical and could end up in the low 60’s. Or, both teams could refuse to play defense and light it up, as they both have that ability.
The winner gets GCU on Friday in the WAC semifinals.