UT Arlington delivered a resounding 80-61 victory over Southern Utah at the College Park Center, with Raysean Seamster's impressive 16-point, 8-rebound performance setting the tone for the Mavericks. The win marked a strong outing for UT Arlington, who led by as many as 22 points in the second half and never looked back.
The Mavericks took control from the opening tip, racing out to a 45-23 halftime lead behind Seamster's 10 first-half points. Southern Utah struggled to find their footing, with Tanner Hayhurst's 14 points leading the Thunderbirds' efforts. Despite a stronger second-half showing from Southern Utah, UT Arlington's cushion proved too great to overcome. The Mavericks' Jordan Lowery and Marcell McCreary also made significant contributions, with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had UT Arlington winning by 11.2 points, and while the Mavericks exceeded that margin, the prediction ultimately proved correct. UT Arlington's actual 19-point victory margin was a reflection of their dominance on the court. The Mavericks' strong performance was a result of their balanced attack, with multiple players contributing on both ends of the floor.
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The game was marked by UT Arlington's stifling defense, which held Southern Utah to just 23 points in the first half. The Mavericks' ability to limit the Thunderbirds' scoring opportunities and capitalize on their own chances was a key factor in their convincing win. As the game wore on, UT Arlington continued to push the pace, with Seamster and Lowery leading the charge.
For Southern Utah, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but Hayhurst's 14 points and Elijah Duval's matching 14 points provided some bright spots. Jalen Lee also chipped in with 11 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Mavericks' strong team effort.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For UT Arlington, the win counts as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not significantly boost their profile but does help to pad their win total. With a current net ranking of 128, the Mavericks want to build on this momentum as they pursue a postseason berth. On the other hand, Southern Utah's loss falls under Quadrant 2 for their schedule, which could have been a valuable opportunity to pick up a quality win. The Thunderbirds' current net ranking of 293 leaves them with an uphill climb to make a serious tournament push.
As UT Arlington looks to build on this win, they must continue to rely on the strong performances of players like Seamster and Lowery. With their balanced attack and stifling defense, the Mavericks have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. For now, they will focus on their next matchup, looking to keep their momentum going and make a strong case for a postseason bid. The win over Southern Utah is a significant step in the right direction, and UT Arlington want to carry this momentum forward as they pursue their tournament goals.