MAVERICKS BEST RAMS
November 28, 2005

Box Score

ARLINGTON, TX:  The University of Texas at Arlington men’s basketball team (3-3) used a 9-0 run at the end of the first half to defeat Texas Wesleyan University (2-3) by a score of 78-64 at Texas Hall on Monday.  The game marked the third consecutive exhibition game against a NCAA Division I opponent for Texas Wesleyan.

The Rams started hot and took a five-point lead after a three-pointer from Scott Reasoner brought the score to 13-8 early on.  Texas Wesleyan continued to lead 24-23 with 8:46 on the clock.  Three free throws and a three-point basket from Brandon Long put the Mavericks ahead 29-24, but the Rams responded and cut the deficit to two after a free throw and a layup from Nino Etienne.

The Rams still trailed by just two, 34-32, with 2:29 left in the first half when UTA made its move.  The Mavericks closed the half on a 9-0 run and led 43-32 at the break.  That proved to be the difference in the game as UTA nipped Texas Wesleyan 35-32 in the second half to account for the 78-64 final.

UTA shot 50% from the field while Texas Wesleyan managed just 37% including 32% in the second half.  The Mavericks out rebounded the Rams 39-34, but committed 21 turnovers compared to 18 for Texas Wesleyan.

Texas Wesleyan’s Evan Patterson led all scorers with 19 points.  Khayri McKinney and Nino Etienne each contributed 10 points for the Rams.  Steven Thomas led the Mavericks by notching a double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds.  Anthony Vereen scored 15 for UTA, while Brady Dawkins finished with 14 points.

“We did not shoot well enough to win at this level,” said head coach Terry Waldrop.  “We have shown that we can compete and defeat some very talented teams, and now we have to take that confidence into the meat of our season.”

The Rams return to the hardwood on Saturday, December 3, when they host Jarvis Christian College in their Red River Athletic Conference opener.  That game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be preceded by a women’s game at 5:30 p.m.