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Get to Know: Nathan Hawkins | Erick Neal

By Art Garcia | @ArtGarcia92

NASSAU, Bahamas - Sophomore forward Kevin Hervey scored 21 points as the UT Arlington Mavericks got their Summer Tour 2015 off right by running past the Real Deal Shockers 93-67 Thursday night at Sir Kendal Isaacs Gym.

The exhibition was ragged at times and physical, and UT Arlington coach Scott Cross employed a number of different player combinations. The game was played under FIBA rules, with four 10-minute quarters and a 24-second shot clock.

"Offensively, we got better shots as the game went on," Cross said. "Defensively, we were sloppy at times, but were much better in the second half. I was really impressed with our rebounding. That was the best part of our game tonight. It's a start and we want to be better tomorrow than we were today."

The Mavericks raced out to a double-digit lead early against the Shockers, who were athletic and experienced. Real Deal has beaten Division I teams in the past, and made runs in both the first and second quarters to keep the game close. UTA went into halftime up 42-32.

The Mavs stretched out their advantage in the second half with a stifling defensive effort. UTA's lead surpassed 20 as Cross continued to substitute liberally. All 13 players on the trip logged at least seven minutes.

Hervey started the game and knocked down 8 of 11 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point territory. He played only 18 minutes and added eight rebounds.

"Kevin Hervey showed a glimpse of how much he's improved from last year in his shot and his efficiency," Cross said.

Hervey credited his teammates for his scoring opportunities.

"A lot of my shots were assisted as my teammates worked hard to get me open," Hervey said. "I shot a whole lot of open jump shots. We just have to work harder on defensive and come back tomorrow to get another win."

Sophomore guard Erick Neal added 15 points and two assists in 28 minutes. Junior forward Jorge Bilbao contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. Junior guard Jalen Jones, making his UTA debut, had 10 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard Drew Charles had eight points, six rebounds and a team-high six assists.

The Mavericks shot only 37 percent (37-99) but out-rebounded the Shockers 68-35. Both teams had 26 turnovers.

The Mavs are back in action Friday night at 6 p.m. CT. Every game of the Summer Tour is available for free listening on UTAMavs.com through Mavericks All-Access. Links are available on the UTAMavs.com homepage calendar, men's basketball schedule page and on the Mavericks All-Access page.

UTAMavs.com is your source for coverage of Summer Tour 2015, including recaps of all four games, daily videos and photo galleries. Also visit our social media pages on Twitter (@UTAMavs) and Facebook (UT Arlington Athletics) for more.

Season tickets for men's and women's basketball go on sale Sept. 14 at UTATickets.com. Individual game tickets go on sale Oct. 1. For more information on season ticket options, please contact the College Park Center box office at 817-272-9595.

Summer Tour 2015 Schedule

Thursday, Aug. 20: UTA 93, Real Deal Shockers 67

Friday, Aug. 21: PJ Stringers, 6 p.m. CT (Free Audio)

Sunday, Aug. 23: Providence Storm, 3 p.m. CT (Free Audio)

Monday, Aug. 24: IBA Elite, 6 p.m. CT (Free Audio)