UT Arlington's balanced attack and strong defensive effort propelled them to a 56-52 win over Utah Tech at Burns Arena. The Mavericks, now 13-6 on the season, were led by Raysean Seamster's 14 points and 8 rebounds. Seamster's performance was crucial in securing the road win, as UT Arlington built a 9-point halftime lead and managed to hold off a late Utah Tech surge.
Ethan Potter was the standout player for Utah Tech, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Potter's double-double was not enough to overcome the Mavericks' stingy defense, which limited the Trailblazers to just 18 points in the first half. Utah Tech's Tanner Davis also had a notable performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
The game was marked by a strong start from UT Arlington, who took a 27-18 lead into halftime. The Mavericks' offense was efficient, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Utah Tech, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 25% from the field in the first half. The Trailblazers' Noah Bolanga provided a spark off the bench, grabbing 9 rebounds and scoring 7 points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
In the second half, Utah Tech made a push to get back into the game, outscoring UT Arlington 34-29. However, the Mavericks' lead was too great, and they were able to hold on for the 4-point win. The victory was a reflection of UT Arlington's resilience and ability to close out games on the road.
With this win, UT Arlington improves to 13-6 on the season, while Utah Tech falls to 11-11. The game was a Quadrant 3 matchup for both teams, and the result will have implications for their respective tournament resumes. For UT Arlington, the win is a solid addition to their portfolio, as they look to build a strong case for postseason consideration. The Mavericks' current net ranking of 127 will likely receive a boost from this road win.
For Utah Tech, the loss is a missed opportunity to pick up a quality win. The Trailblazers' net ranking of 199 will remain a challenge as they navigate the rest of their schedule. However, with performances like Potter's 16 points and 11 rebounds, Utah Tech has shown that they have the talent to compete with teams like UT Arlington. As the season progresses, the Trailblazers want to build on this effort and make a push for a stronger tournament resume. The loss to UT Arlington will be a valuable learning experience, and Utah Tech will aim to bounce back in their next game.