Nov. 12, 2016

By Cassie Logan | @c4ssielogan

ARLINGTON, Texas - The anticipation of UT Arlington's season opener at the end of Homecoming week was high, but anyone who followed the team last season knew all eyes were on Kevin Hervey Saturday night.

The junior had a homecoming of his own and made his return to the College Park Center court following a knee injury in February. In an 89-82 victory over SWAC favorite Texas Southern, the forward proved he could pick up where he left off.

Hervey opened the 2016-17 slate with his 10th career double-double on 16 points and 11 rebounds, 10 being defensive. He was 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Although has yet to drain his first 3-pointer of the year, Hervey's production through 21 minutes was a key takeaway that his potential and talent wasn't lost on months of rebuilding.

Though his comeback seemed to be the center of attention, the Mavericks' backcourt controlled all momentum with big nights from juniors Kaelon Wilson, Erick Neal and senior Jalen Jones. The three seemed to be catalysts for UTA's force of united movement, which out-rebounded and out-shot the Tigers.

Jones led all Maverick scorers with 23 points, including a pair of momentum-shifting threes in the opening minutes of his 32. Wilson came off the bench to contribute 19 points in 21 minutes, but the highlight was his 8-of-8 shooting from the floor, tying a UTA single-game record.

Neal made the most of his 34 minutes, the most by any UTA player on the night, with his knack to drive plays and open opportunity. He was 3-of-4 from the floor; shot two of the three 3-pointers he attempted and was 5-of-6 from the charity stripe.

The Mavericks led by 15 with less than 10 minutes to play in the second half and never surrendered the lead. UT Arlington head coach Scott Cross said the team played together and with a sense of urgency.

So much so, its intensity and command was enough to hold SWAC Preseason Player of the Year Derrick Griffin to just seven points in 35 minutes. He averaged 13.5 a game in 2015-16.

So now the Mavericks embark on a three-game road trip to respectable opponents in Minnesota, Florida Gulf Coast and Arkansas starting Monday. Most importantly, it's a chance for the squad to build on an already natural, familial chemistry that lays the foundation for any and all production.