Utah Valley University’s men’s basketball team will host Tarleton State on Thursday at the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah. The matchup is a key Western Athletic Conference (WAC) game as the Wolverines continue their effort to secure a second consecutive regular-season conference title. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN The Fan.
The Wolverines currently hold a 20-7 overall record and are 10-4 in WAC play. They lead the conference standings by half a game with four games left in the regular season. On Saturday, Utah Valley defeated UT Arlington 66-55 on the road, overcoming a halftime deficit with strong performances from Jackson Holcombe and Trevan Leonhardt. Both players recorded double-doubles; Holcombe had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Leonhardt contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. The team collected 23 offensive rebounds, which is the second-highest total in program history for a single game.
Thursday’s contest will be the third meeting this season between Utah Valley and Tarleton State. Utah Valley won both previous games against Tarleton State in Texas earlier this year, relying on defense and rebounding to control those matchups.
At home, Utah Valley has been dominant, maintaining a winning streak of 25 consecutive games at the UCCU Center. This season they are undefeated at home with a record of 13-0, averaging 85.5 points per game while allowing just 62.1 points per game.
Trevan Leonhardt has emerged as one of the most versatile players nationally among Division I programs, averaging over 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game—making him unique in these statistical categories this season. Jackson Holcombe leads the team in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game and also leads in rebounding with an average of 7.2 boards per contest.
Tarleton State arrives seeking to disrupt Utah Valley’s title pursuit late in league play. The Texans have shown progress recently and are known for their aggressive defensive approach that features full-court pressure.
Utah Valley will conclude its regular-season home schedule this week before finishing conference play on the road.
