Texans Fall Short in Regular Season Finale, Look Ahead to WAC Tournament
Stephenville, Texas – The Tarleton State Men’s Basketball team concluded its regular season with a hard-fought 65-60 loss to UT Arlington on Thursday. Despite a late rally, the Texans (14-17 5-13 WAC) couldn’t overcome a strong Mavericks performance.
Johnson Shines, Mpaka Sets D1 Block Record
Dior Johnson continued his impressive form, scoring 28 points – his third consecutive game with at least 20 points. He shot eight-for-16 from the floor and an impressive 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Chris Mpaka led the team with eight rebounds and also etched his name in the Tarleton State record books, recording his 73rd career block, a new program record since joining Division I athletics.
Second-Half Surge Falls Just Short
Tarleton State faced a 10-point deficit in the second half but battled back with a 12-2 run to tie the game at 55 with just over two minutes remaining. However, UT Arlington responded with a 10-5 run to secure the victory. The Texans’ comeback attempt highlighted their resilience, but ultimately wasn’t enough.
Key Stats and Game Details
The Texans won the turnover battle, forcing 14 turnovers while committing 11. Both teams shot around 40% from the field, with Tarleton State at 40.4% and UT Arlington at 40.9%. Free-throw shooting proved to be a factor, as the Texans missed 12 of their 31 attempts, resulting in a 61.3% clip. The Mavericks edged out the Texans in rebounding, 33-29.
Looking Ahead: WAC Tournament Bound
Tarleton State will now prepare for the WAC Tournament, scheduled to initiate on March 11th. The Texans will await the conclusion of other regular-season games to determine their seeding and first-round opponent. The tournament will be held at the Orleans Arena.
WAC Tournament Outlook
The WAC Tournament in Las Vegas is set to be a competitive event. UT Arlington will also be competing in the tournament, having concluded their regular season with a win. The tournament provides an opportunity for teams to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the WAC Tournament start? The WAC Tournament begins on March 11, 2026.
- Where is the WAC Tournament held? The tournament is held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
- What is Tarleton State’s overall record? Tarleton State finished the regular season with a record of 14-17.
- Who led the Texans in scoring against UT Arlington? Dior Johnson led the Texans with 28 points.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the WAC Tournament bracket and schedule by visiting the official WAC Athletics website.
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Follow Tarleton State Men’s Basketball as they compete in the WAC Tournament. Check back for updates and game coverage.
