MAVS FACE UNIVERSIDAD DE PUEBLA IN TUNEUP
11/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2004
The Texas-Arlington men's basketball will get their lone test prior to Friday's season opener at TCU when they welcome the Universidad de Puebla in an exhibition game Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Texas Hall.
Maverick junior forward Steven Thomas (Fort Worth, Texas) is the lone returning starter off a squad that finished 17-12 and shared the Southland Conference regular season title in 2003-04. Thomas, named to the preseason all-SLC squad, averaged 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season.
Also returning are junior point guard Jarrett Howell (Arlington, Texas) and sophomore shooting guard Stephen Floyd (Houston, Texas). Both started nine games a year ago and show the ability to score in the open floor.
Sophomore center Jay Neukomm (Edna, Texas) could be the opening day starter inside after an impressive preseason. Senior forward Chris Hairfield (Alvin, Texas) has been a steady force during the preseason and guard Brady Dawkins (Whitehouse, Texas) has made a comeback from off-season knee surgery and will be penciled in to play this weekend.
A host of newcomers will get plenty of opportunity to make their mark before the Jan. 6 conference opener at Nicholls State.
Among those making an early impression is 6-foot-8 forward Jermaine Griffin (Houston, Texas). Griffin scored 13 points in a Blue-White scrimmage earlier this fall.
Tuesday's game will be broadcast on UTA Radio.
- utamavs.com-
