Nov. 27, 2006

Box Score

EDINBURG, Texas - For the third time in five games, the outcome of the game came down to the wire.

UT Arlington junior forward Jermaine Griffin was whistled for a foul with 0.1-seconds left in regulation while six players battled for a loose ball after an Anthony Vereen shot missed as the clock ran down. Texas-Pan American reserve Zach Trader made the first of two free throws to rally the Broncs from an 11-point deficit in the final 10 minutes of the game for a 74-73 victory at the UTPA Fieldhouse Monday night.

UTPA (5-1) avenges a seven-point loss to UT Arlington a week ago. The Mavericks fall to 3-2 on the season.

"That was a tough one to take," said UT Arlington Head Men's Basketball Coach Scott Cross. "They made some tough shots in the second half and we didn't have a chance to come back."

Texas-Pan American shot lights out in the second half, making 70.8 percent from the field (17 of 24) in the final 20 minutes to overcome a 32-24 halftime deficit. Brian Burrell scored 22 of his game-high 26 points in the second half, making eight of 10 from the field and three free throws. Trader scored all 12 of his points in the second half.

UTA was led by guard Ro'ger Guignard with 16 points, 13 from junior guard Rodrick Epps and 12 from Vereen.

UTA had controlled the game throughout the first half and early in the second half. The Mavs built their largest lead of the game, 58-47, after two Matt Read free throws with 10:16 to play.

UTPA went on a 22-11 run over the next 6:47 to tie the game at 69-69 after two Trader free throws. Both clubs matched point-for-point until the dramatic ending.

UT Arlington held UTPA to three field goals the final 15:24 of the first half to rally from an 18-11 deficit and build as much as a nine-point lead in the first half.

A 3-pointer by Rodrick Epps capped a 15-1 run and gave the Mavs a 26-19 lead with 4:56 remaining in the first half. A jumper by Jermaine Griffin gave the Mavs their largest lead of the half, 30-21, with 2:45 to play.

UT Arlington will host Austin College Thursday at 7 p.m. at Texas Hall.