The Teams: Tarleton Texans (10-9, 3-3 WAC) at California Baptist Lancers (11-8, 3-3 WAC)
Where: Riverside, California
Arena: CBU Events Center
Day and Time: Saturday at 9 p.m. CT
Streaming Platform: ESPN+
Radio: Tarleton Sports Network (Kyle Crews)
 
ABOUT THE MATCHUP

• This marks the fourth all-time meeting, all within the last two years. The Lancers are 3-0 in the series, with each game decided by fewer than 10 points.
• In last year's meeting, Freddy 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 combined 76 FTA in the game.
• CBU has won three of their last four games after starting 0-2 in WAC play. They've been involved in close games all year -- 12 of their 19 outcomes were decided by fewer than 10 points.

 
QUICK HITS

• Tarleton and CBU are neck-and-neck in WAC play, both at 3-3, tied-seventh in the standings. They're back-to-back in the WAC Resume Seeding System, with Tarleton seventh, CBU eighth.
• Tarleton is in search of its first true road win (0-8). Their two wins at the Paradise Jam were neutral site games. Tarleton (8-0) is one of two WAC teams undefeated at home (Seattle U).
• With a win Saturday, Tarleton would have its best conference start through seven games since joining the WAC at 4-3. They began 3-4 last year and 2-5 in 2020-21.
• Over the past eight games (Tarleton 5-3), the Texans have allowed an opponent to score 70+ points just once, forcing an average of 65.2 PPG on 40.5 FG% and 15.6 turnovers.
• Tarleton has gotten the whistle far less on the road, averaging 21.4 FTA in their eight true road games while averaging 27.3 FTA per game in Stephenville. Overall, Tarleton is 8-3 when getting 25+ FTA, and 2-6 when under. Tarleton is third in the country in FTA per game at 25.6.
• Due to a slower pace, Tarleton (11th in WAC in scoring) is actually efficient on offense, fifth in WAC in shooting (.457) and fourth in fewest turnovers per with the second best average turnover margin (+5.42), tied-seventh in the country. CBU is 12th in scoring and 12th in FG%.
• The Texans are averaging 9.8 steals per game, the best mark in the WAC and 12th best average in the country. They're 11th in the country in turnovers forced per game at 18.1. In Tarleton's last game, they had more turnovers than their opponent for just the fourth time this year (0-4).

 
WHO'S HOT

• Freddy Hicks – Hicks returned from injury for the first time in six weeks, having last played on Dec. 6 at Baylor. In his return, he played 39 minutes, posting 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals. He's led the team in scoring and rebounding most of the year.
• Lue Williams – Over his last two games, Williams has averaged 14.5 points and 8.0 rebounds. On the year, he's made 29-of-70 (.414) from three-point land, the tied-15th most three-pointers in the WAC and the 19th best percentage in conference (min. 20 3PA).
• Shamir Bogues – Bogues just barely had his career-long streak of scoring in double figures snapped at three games. Over his past four, he's averaged 14.3 points on 22-of-38 (.579) shooting and 7.5 rebounds. He's played 76 of 80 possible minutes over the last two games.

 
NUMBERS TO KNOW
5: At the top of the WAC LEADERBOARD IN STEALS PER GAME, Tarleton has three in the top-five and two of the first three, with Shamir Bogues second at 1.74 SPG and Jakorie Smith third at 1.71 SPG. Freddy Hicks is tied-fifth at 1.50 steals per game.
  
70: The number 70 usually means a win for Tarleton, as the Texans are 9-1 THIS SEASON WHEN SCORING 70+ POINTS, and 1-8 when scoring under 70. Tarleton is also 10-1 when leading at halftime and 9-2 when outshooting their opponents.
 
7: Look for a defensive game on Saturday, with both teams ranked in the top-seven in SCORING DEFENSE IN THE WAC, and both in the bottom three in scoring offense. California Baptist is third best in average points allowed at 64.5, while Tarleton is seventh at 67.2 PPG.
 
3: The Lancers have three of the TOP REBOUNDERS IN THE WAC, with Hunter Goodrick fifth at 7.1 RPG, Timothy Ighoefe seventh at 6.8 RPG and Riley Battin 13th at 5.9 RPG. Freddy Hicks' return will be vital, who leads the team at 6.4 RPG, ninth best in the conference.
 
UP NEXT FOR TARLETON
Tarleton will head back home for a two-game slate against Utah Tech and Grand Canyon. The Texans will host the Trailblazers on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT.