UTA Downs Texas State
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ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington rode an overpowering second half to a 69-62 victory over rival Texas State before 2,663 fans Saturday night at College Park Center.
The Mavericks (11-13) evened their Sun Belt Conference record at 6-6 and swept the season series from the Bobcats (7-17, 3-8) for the third consecutive season. UT Arlington has won its last two league games following a three-game losing streak.
“I’m proud of our guys for stepping up in the second half,” UT Arlington coach Scott Cross said.
A pair of seniors – guard Reger Dowell and forward Brandon Edwards – were instrumental in the second half, as the Mavericks outscored Texas State 44-29. The duo accounted for 29 points after the break.
Dowell, the leading scorer in the SBC, finished with a game-high 23 points, with 20 coming in the second half. Edwards posted his 11th double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
“We had to come out and play as a team in the second half,” said Edwards, who moved into fourth on UTA’s all-time rebounding list with 770. He passed former teammate Jordan Reves.
Junior guard Lonnie McClanahan added 13 points and dished out seven assists, and
junior guard Jamel Outler scored 12. At least four Mavericks have scored in double figures in 11 games this season.
“Brandon stepped up, Jamel Outler hit some big shots,” Cross said. “It was great a team effort.”
The Bobcats led for most of the first half and went into the locker room up 33-25. Texas State shot 50 percent and outscored UTA 11-3 in bench points.
The Mavericks struggled from the floor for the first 20 minutes, shooting just 30 percent (6-20) and making just 1-5 3-pointers. Edwards and McClanahan combined for 17 points in the first half.
The Mavericks opened the second half with a 14-4 run and took the lead (39-37) on Dowell’s driving layup. Edwards had nine points during the spurt. UTA extended its advantage to 50-43 on Dowell’s deep 3-pointer midway through the half, forcing a timeout from Texas State.
UT Arlington hits the road next week to face two teams – Arkansas State (Thursday) and UALR (Saturday) – that beat the Mavericks earlier this season.
“I want payback against both of those teams,” Cross said.
