UTA Routs Howard Payne

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ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington extended its winning streak to three and closed nonconference play on a high with Saturday afternoon’s 89-50 victory over Howard Payne at College Park Center.

The Mavericks improved to 6-4 going into the Sun Belt Conference opener Dec. 30 against Georgia Southern at College Park Center. UTA heads into its league season with a winning record for the third time in the last four years.

“It’s great to get a win before the break,” UT Arlington coach Scott Cross said. “We want to go into the Christmas holidays on a good note. Our guys did a good job on defense. Our guys played unselfish and played together.”

After racing out to a 17-4 lead, the Mavericks never looked back in registering a season high for points. UTA had balance across the board with 11 players logging at least 11 minutes and six players scoring at least eight.

“It was a good all-around game,” Cross said.

UTA senior guard Jamel Outler knocked down five 3-pointers and

scored a game-high 17 in his first game of the season off the bench. Junior guard Johnny Hill scored 12 and dished out a team-high four assists.

Senior forward Greg Gainey tied his season high with 11 points in 16 minutes. Senior center Anthony Walker scored eight, grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots. Sophomore forward Brandon Williams blocked a career best six shots.

The Mavericks were efficient on the offensive end, shooting 50 percent (32-64) and enjoying a 38-12 edge in points in the pant. UTA also had a 14-7 edge in second-chance points.

The defense was especially aggressive, limiting the Yellow Jackets (2-5) to 27.9-percent shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. UTA racked up 10 blocks and eight steals.

The Mavericks now have 10 days to get ready for the season that really matters.

“It’s always going to go into a break with a win,” Outler said, “and have a positive vibe going into conference.”