By Michael Saenz

On Jan. 21 the Broncs lost to New Jersey Institute of Technology 58-57 on a last second layup by Chris Flores. On Thursday night UTPA hopes to get a little bit of revenge on its home court.

That day the Broncs only played with seven players, due to suspension, and that’s the moment when coach Ryan Marks found his new and improved starting lineup. UTPA is 8-4 all-time against the Highlanders in the series that dates back to 2007.

The Highlanders come into the game winning two out of their last three, but have played the last two at home. They have lost two out of its three conference road games so far th

is season. The Broncs, on the other hand, have won two of its three conference home games.

The Broncs (3-2 GWC) are, at the moment, second in the standings and can extend its lead over NJIT to two full games with a win. Last year the Broncs and Highlanders played an overtime thriller, but UTPA fell short 65-63 on its home court.

This is a real swing game. The winner of this game, more likely, will finish second in the conference and ultimately avoid facing powerhouse Utah Valley in the GWC tournament in the first two rounds. But can that team be the Broncs? Can they rally and complete the six-game homestand on a strong note?

Players to watch

Chris Flores scored a game-high 17 points against the Broncs earlier this year. He scored two three-point baskets and shot 50 percent from the field. Odds are that his production will dip on the road, but Flores will still be a force to deal with for UTPA.

For the Broncs, Aaron Urbanus still continues to overcome offseason knee surgery and gets stronger and stronger with every game. He is averaging 11 more minutes per game during conference play than he did during the first part of the season. He scored 17 points the last time these two teams met, including five trifectas.

Matchup

NJIT (11-13, 4-3 GWC) at UTPA (9-17, 3-2 GWC)

UTPA Field House, 7 p.m.