ACU 84, TSU 78 Box Score (PDF)

LAS VEGAS – A career-high 20 points from Yaniel Rivera powered No. 6 seed Abilene Christian over No. 7 Tarleton State 84-78 on Wednesday night in the opening round of the 2026 Air Force Reserve WAC Basketball Tournament at the Orleans Arena.

With the win, Abilene Christian advanced to the quarterfinal round of the tournament and will face No. 3 seed Utah Tech on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. PT at the Orleans Arena on ESPN+.

Along with his career-high in points, Rivera chipped in a pair of rebounds and two assists in the victory for the Wildcats. Rich Smith contributed 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists, and Bradyn Hubbard added 15 points and six boards for ACU.

Dior Johnson poured in 28 points and added five rebounds and three assists for Tarleton State. Kaia Isaac scored 13 points to go along with two steals and Jordan Mizell tallied 10 points, three assists and three steals.