The teams: Tarleton Texans (10-9, 3-3 WAC) at California Baptist Lancers (11-8, 3-3 WAC)
Where from: Riverside, California
Arena: CBU Events Center
Day and time: Saturday at 9pm CT
Streaming platform: ESPN+
Radio: Tarleton Sports Network (Kyle Crews)
ABOUT THE MATCHUP
- This is the fourth meeting ever, all within the last two years. The Lancers are 3-0 in the series, with every game decided by less than 10 points.
- At last year’s meeting Freddie Hicks had 21 points, seven boards and three blocks. Noah McDavid had 15 points (6-8 FG), six rebounds and two steals. There were a total of 76 FTAs in the game.
- CBU has won three of their last four games after starting 2-0 in the WAC game. They have been involved in tight games throughout the year – 12 of their 19 results have been decided by less than 10 points.
FAST STRIKES
- Tarleton and CBU are tied in the WAC game, both 3-3, tied for seventh overall. They are back to back in the WAC resume seeding system, with Tarleton seventh, CBU eighth.
- Tarleton are looking for their first real away win (0-8). Their two wins at Paradise Jam were neutral location games. Tarleton (8-0) is one of two WAC teams unbeaten at home (Seattle U).
- With a win on Saturday, Tarleton would have their best seven-game conference start since joining the WAC 4-3. They started 3-4 last year and 2020-21 2-5.
- In their last eight games (Tarleton 5-3), the Texans have allowed an opponent to score 70+ just once, forcing an average of 65.2 PPG at 40.5 FG% and 15.6 turnovers.
- Tarleton has refereed a lot less on the road, averaging 21.4 FTAs in his eight True Road games, while at Stephenville he averaged 27.3 FTAs per game. Overall, Tarleton is 8-3 when he hits 25+ FTA and 2-6 when he’s under. Tarleton is third in the country at 25.6 in FTA per game.
- Due to a slower pace, Tarleton (11th in the WAC in scoring) is actually efficient on offense, fifth in the WAC in shooting (.457), and fourth in the fewest turnovers per with the second-best average turnover margin (+5.42 ), tied seventh in the country. CBU is 12th in standings and 12th in FG%.
- The Texans average 9.8 steals per game, the highest grade in the WAC and the 12th-best average in the country. They are 11th in the country in forced turnovers per game on 18.1. In Tarleton’s final game, they had more turnover than their opponent for the fourth time this year (0-4).
WHO IS HOT
- Freddie Hicks – Hicks returned from injury for the first time in six weeks after last playing at Baylor on December 6. On his return, he played 39 minutes and had 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals. He has led the team as a goalscorer and rebounder for most of the year.
- Lu Williams – In his last two games, Williams has averaged 14.5 points and 8.0 rebounds. This year, he’s made 29 of 70 (.414) from three-point land, 15th place with most three-pointers in the WAC, and 19th best percentage in the conference (min. 20 3PA).
- Shamir Bogues – Bogues had just ended a career-long streak of double-digit goals in three games. Over the past four years, he has averaged 14.3 points on 22 of 38 (.579) shots and 7.5 rebounds. He has played 76 minutes out of a possible 80 in the last two games.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
5: At the top of the WAC LEADERBOARD IN STEALS PER GAMETarleton has three in the top-5 and two in the top three, with Shamir Bogues second at 1.74 SPG and Jakorie Smith Third at 1.71 SPG. Freddie Hicks is fifth at 1.50 steals per game.
70: The number 70 usually spells a win for Tarleton as the Texans are 9-1 THIS SEASON IF 70+ POINTS ARE SCOREDand 1-8 if he counts under 70. Tarleton is also 10-1 when leading at half-time and 9-2 when passing his opponents.
7: Look for a defensive game on Saturday with both teams in the top seven HITTING DEFENSE IN THE WAC, and both in the bottom three on offense scoring. California Baptist is the third best scorer with 64.5 while Tarleton is seventh with 67.2 PPG.
3: The Lancers have three of these TOP REBOUNDER IN THE WACwith Hunter Goodrick fifth at 7.1 RPG, Timothy Ighoefe seventh at 6.8 RPG, and Riley Battin 13th at 5.9 RPG. freddy hicks The return will be crucial to who leads the team at 6.4 RPG, ninth best in the conference.
UP NEXT FOR TARLETON
Tarleton will return home for a two-game table against Utah Tech and Grand Canyon. The Texans will host the Trailblazers Thursday at 7pm CT.
