UT Arlington completes the nonconference part of its schedule with Saturday's visit by Howard Payne. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at College Park Center.
The Mavericks (5-4) are 2-1 at home and riding a two-game winning streak. With a victory, UTA would clinch a winning nonconference record for the third time in the last four years.
A uptick in defense has UT Arlington coach Scott Cross optimistic going into the final game before Sun Belt play opens. The Mavericks have allowed only 60.3 points over the last three games.
"We need to continue to build and work on the little things," Cross said. "I think for the first time all year we've been pretty consistent the last three games playing great defense."
The Mavericks hold a 2-1 all-time series advantage over Howard Payne, including last season's 111-65 victory at CPC. That point total tied for the 18th highest all-time in program history.
Cross, though, has cautioned his team not to take the Yellow Jackets lightly.
"We've got to stay focused, we've got to take it one possession at a time and play great defense," Cross said. "It happens all across the country, the underdogs go in there and they win games."
UTA is coming off last Saturday's 70-62 win at UC Irvine, which was ranked 18th in CollegeInsider.com's Mid-Major Top 25. Sophomore guard Drew Charles and freshmen forward Kevin Hervey each scored a career-high 15 points against the Anteaters.
The performance of Kaelon Wilson was also instrumental in the victory. The freshman guard was especially active in his first career start with a team-high seven rebounds, four points, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot.
"To be honest coming into the season I thought he was going to be a good player," Cross said. "I had no idea he was going to be this good. He's playing like a veteran guy. He's one of our most consistent guys. He's good all the way around. He has no flaws in his game."
UT Arlington begins its second Sun Belt campaign Dec. 30 (7:15 p.m.) against Georgia Southern at College Park Center.
TICKETS: Single game and season tickets available at UTATickets.com and by calling 817-272-9595. Parking is free for all games at College Park Center.
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