Feb. 9, 2013

Final Stats

ARLINGTON, Texas - Kevin Butler scored 17 to lead UT Arlington to a 68-63 victory over UTSA in a Western Athletic Conference matchup Saturday night before 2,112 fans at College Park Center.

"I'm very proud of our guys," UT Arlington coach Scott Cross said. "It was a very suspenseful and hard fought game. The fans were unbelievable. Our guys battled their tails off, but I know it got them energized. I think that's the biggest reason we won this game to be honest. You could feel the energy in the building. Hopefully this is something that grows."

The Mavericks (12-9, 7-5) have won four of their last five games and completed a season sweep on of their in-state rival. The Roadrunners dropped to 5-18 and 1-12.

Butler followed up a 21-point effort in Thursday's win over Texas State. Greg Gainey added 13 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Reves had 13 boards and eight points in his first start since Jan. 19. Shaquille White-Miller scored 13.

The Mavericks shot 47.1 percent and held UTSA to 35.2 percent. That's the 15th time in 21 games that UT Arlington held its opponent to less than 40 percent shooting. The Mavericks also claimed the rebound battle, 42-33.

UT Arlington was able to surge with a 13-0 run midway through the second half to take a 54-41 lead. Butler had five points during the spurt, including a 3-point play to finish it off.

"I'm trying to be more consistant," Butler said. "I'm trying to do it every game instead of just every other game."

Neither team was able to seize control in the opening half. Butler had the hot hand for the Mavericks with 10 points at the break, including two of the team's four 3-pointers. The Roadrunners drilled seven 3-points in the first half, and had 15 points from WAC scoring leader Kannon Burrage.

UT Arlington hits the road next week with games at Idaho on Thursday and Saturday on Saturday.