This weekend, the ACU men’s basketball team will head to Odessa to take on UT Permian Basin and A&M International in the UTPB classic. The Wildcats are looking to build on their impressive 2-0 start when they play their first two road games of the year.
Friday night, the Wildcats take on the UTPB Falcons in the first of two November matchups between the two teams. ACU is looking to show the world that their program has taken the next step, and they are ready to win a true road game.
“Every time we step on the court we are looking to prove people wrong.” Senior Ben Warton said. “We are all aware we got picked to finish last in the conference so that is motivation. Coach has been talking about going on the road and winning, so it is a good opportunity for us to win and take another step.”
The second game of the UTPB classic will take place Saturday afternoon against the A&M International Dust devils. Â Coming off a twenty win season, A&M International will be a forced to be the stiffest competition the Cats will see until conference play begins.
“This game will help prepare us for the grind of the tough teams we will be playing in the Lone Star Conference.” Warton said. “We are motivated every night to go out and beat anyone regardless of their record.”
The dust devils have a talented team and will be looking to build off of last year’s success. This game will be an early measuring stick for the Wildcats after an impressive start to the season last weekend that undoubtedly turned heads.
“Coach always talks about how the good teams are the ones that can win on the road so we want to go down there and let our play speak for itself.” Guard Desmond Woodberry said.
Just three years ago, A&M International failed to win a single game all season. Now they are a talented basketball team that has rebuilt their program from the ground up.
This matchup on Saturday could provide a sneak peek into the future of the ACU basketball program that is looking to put aside past struggles and return to prominence in the Lone Star Conference.
The Wildcats have dreams of winning the conference and being competitive throughout the year, so this game is an opportunity for the Wildcats to make a statement that they are here to stay.
“We are looking to make a statement about where the program is.” Woodberry said. “Every time we step on the court we plan to make a statement.
