With Myck Kabongo out, the Longhorns (4-2)Â have been forced to operate differently. Now that the defensive-minded Mavericks (3-1)Â are coming into town, this game could be too close for comfort.
Last year’s shooting star in the UT-Arlington game, Sheldon McClellan, will have to repeat his performance, as Coach Scott Cross and his Mavs are not looking to get pushed around.
Coach Cross has taught his players a defense-first mentality and they dominate the rebounding aspect of the game. In fact UTA is 21st in the NCAA in rebounding. Cross is sticking with his game plan against the Longhorns and he isn’t changing just because of the opponent.
In the seven meetings all-time, UTA has never won a game against UT.
The Mavericks are now 3-0 on the road, and just this last Wednesday, beat NBA prospect Tony Mitchell and the University of North Texas Mean Green, 72-59.
The Mavs held North Texas to 16% shooting in the second half, so look for the Mavs to replicate that punishing style of defense in order to compete in this game.
So far, the Maverick’s only loss was a 63-59 squeaker against Oklahoma at the College Park Center, but UT-Arlington could have won that contest. The defense brought them back in to game but in the end poor shooting doomed the Mavs. If Texas is careless with the ball, the Mavericks could cause trouble for Rick Barnes and the Longhorns at the Frank Erwin Center on Saturday.
Mavericks to watch for:
C Jordan Reves: He’s 4th in the nation in rebounds averaging 12.3 a game. His tall build and long arms have caused trouble for teams trying to shoot the ball close to the rim.
G Kevin Butler: The TCU transfer is the best overall player on this Mavericks squad. He is a stout defender and can score when needed. He’s leading the Mavs with 10.8ppg.
F Karol Gruszecki: He is the team’s three-point specialist, shooting 40% on the season (6-15). But right now, he’s the team’s second-scoring option since Jamal Outler is not putting up the points people expected him to do. Karol is averaging 10ppg
