UT-Arlington Mavs vs. Texas Longhorns Hoops: Preview & Open Thread

The Texas Longhorns (4-2) take on the Texas-Arlington Mavericks (3-1) in a battle for UT system bragging rights. The Mavs aren't a terrible team, and (BRACE THYSELF) this could be a close game down the stretch. Last year, UT-Arlington finished first in the Southland Conference at 24-9, but didn't make the NCAAs after losing in their conference tournament.

UT-Arlington are making a pass-through in the WAC this year before moving onto the Sun Belt, and have started off the season nicely. At home against Oklahoma, the Mavs battled the Sooners closely before falling, 63-59. All five starters are returning players from last year's squad. Leading scorer Kevin Butler (10.8 PPG) was voted preseason 2nd team All-WAC, and he's flanked by decent-sized forwards Karol Gruszecki and Brandon Edwards.

6' 10" senior Jordan Reves anchors the post and has posted double-digit rebounds in all four games (12.3 RPG). He's considered an outstanding defender. Another upperclassman, Shaquille White-Miller, handles the point guard duties (4.3 APG). Senior Cameron Catlett will also play after making his season debut in the previous game, returning from a hip injury. Watch out for sophomore guard Jamel Outler, a transfer from Texas Tech and former high school teammate of Sheldon McClellan at Bellaire.

The Mavs have the size, depth and experience to give Texas fits. The Longhorns must rise to the challenge.

LINEUP

PROJECTED STARTERS

Texas: G - Javan Felix (#3 - Fr.) | G - Julien Lewis (#14 - So.) | F - Ioannis Papapetrou (#33 - Fr.) | F - Jonathan Holmes (#10 - So.) | C - Prince Ibeh (#44 - Fr.)

UT-A: G - Shaquille White-Miller (#12 - Jr.) | F - Kevin Butler (#24 - Sr.) | F - Karol Gruszecki (#33 - Sr.) | F - Brandon Edwards (#35 - Jr.) | C - Jordan Reves (#55 - Sr.)

BENCH

Texas: G - Sheldon McClellan (#1 - So.) | G - DeMarcus Holland (#2 - Fr.) | F - Connor Lammert (#21 - Fr.) | C - Cameron Ridley (#55 - Fr.)

UT-A: G - Jamel Outler (#3 - Jr.) | G - Cameron Catlett (#25 - Sr.) | G - Drew Charles (#4 - Fr.) | F - Greg Gainey (#21 - Jr.) | F - Deon Rodgers (#42 - Fr.)

INJURIES/ISSUES

Texas: F - Jaylen Bond (Out - Foot) | G - Myck Kabongo (Up in the Air - NCAA Eligibility)

UT-A: N/A

TEXASSPORTS.COM MEDIA/NOTES

TEXAS (4-2) vs. UT Arlington (3-1)
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 • 3 p.m. CT
Erwin Center (16,540)

TV: Longhorn Network
Kevin Dunn (play-by-play); Reid Gettys (analyst); Kat Kelly (reporter).
Radio: Longhorn IMG Radio Network
Jon Madani (play-by-play); Eddie Oran (analyst).
Satellite Radio: XM 202 / Sirius 216
Streaming Audio: TexasSports.com