Las Vegas, NV (Sports Network) - Led by a 23-point effort from Kevin Butler,
the fourth-seeded Texas-Arlington Mavericks outlasted the fifth-seeded Utah
State Aggies, 83-78, in the quarterfinals of the Western Athletic Conference
Tournament at Orleans Arena.
Karol Gruszecki added 12 points for UTA (18-12), which will play Texas-San
Antonio in Friday's semifinals. Jordan Reves and Cameron Catlett netted 12
points apiece, with Catlett also handing out seven assists.
For USU (21-10), Jared Shaw tallied 20 points and nine rebounds, while Spencer
Butterfield poured in 19 points. Ben Clifford and TeNale Roland each scored 16
points but the two also combined for 10 turnovers.
Although both teams shot greater than 53 percent from the field in the first
half, UTA took a 40-29 advantage into intermission by taking 12 more field
goal attempts than USU.
The Aggies climbed all the way back to take a 70-69 lead with just over three
minutes left in the game, but the Mavericks answered immediately with six
straight points to regain the advantage. USU got within one possession in the
final minute, but Butler sealed the win for UTA with a 1-of-2 trip to the foul
line and a layup down the stretch.
UTA earned extra possessions by winning the turnover battle, 14-6.
GAME NOTES:
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