UTA Beats UTEP

EL PASO, Texas – UT Arlington added another to an impressive collection of nonconference wins by upending the UTEP Miners 76-62 Saturday night at the Don Haskins Center.

The Mavericks improved to 7-2 after their second consecutive victory. It’s the best start for UTA since going 8-1 to open the 2007-08 season.

The Mavs had four score in double figures, led by 18 points from Kevin Hervey. Erick Neal scored 14 and dished out five assists. Jalen Jones scored 14 and Kaelon Wilson had 13 points off the bench.

UTA took control in the second half by forcing the issue offensively and controlling the boards. The Mavs out-rebounding UTEP 23-15 after halftime and went to the line 18 times after shooting just two free throws in the first half.

UTEP (6-2) came into the game receiving votes in both the Associate Press and UTA Today Coaches Poll. The Miners were 19th in the latest NCAA RPI rankings.

The Mavericks opened the game with a 7-2 lead, five points coming from Hervey. The Miners would come back and take their first lead at 15-14.

UTA would regain its footing and went into halftime up 36-31. Hervey had 10 points at the break, with Drew Charles scoring nine on three 3-pointers. The Mavs shot 45.2 percent in the half and UTEP was at 41.4 percent.

The Mavericks’ other road win this season have come at Ohio State, Memphis and Rice. UTA is 4-2 away from College Park Center.