Freshman forward Kira Reynolds attempts a layup, guarded by a University of Wyoming defender Nov. 11 at College Park Center.
File photo / Emmanuel Campbell
While UTA’s campus quieted during winter break, the men’s and women’s basketball programs roared into full gear, wrapping up their preseason slate and opening Western Athletic Conference play.
The men’s team ended the preseason boasting an 8-4 record, and the women’s team went into its first WAC game with a 6-7 record. With four WAC games played, the men’s team currently sits in second place in the conference, while the women’s team sinks to the bottom of the standings at seventh place.
Sophomore guard Cash Chavis moves the ball away from Keelan Russel, University of North Texas at Dallas freshman guard, during a game Nov. 3 at College Park Center.
Men’s basketball
The men’s team went into the break after an 83-63 loss to Arkansas State University on the road Dec. 2 at First National Bank Arena, and went on to rally against UT Rio Grande Valley to produce a 58-50 win on Dec. 11 at UTRGV Fieldhouse. Following a 76-60 loss to Stanford University, the men’s team ended the preseason on a high note with a 69-57 win against Oral Roberts University on Dec. 22 at Mabee Center.
The men’s team stumbled out of the gate to open WAC play, falling 69-63 to Tarleton State University in its first conference homestand Dec. 29 at College Park Center. The Mavericks found their footing against preseason favorite California Baptist University, beating them 63-51 on New Year’s Day at College Park Center.
The Mavericks followed up the bounce back by securing their second three-game win streak of the season. UTA bested Southern Utah University 86-77 Jan. 3 at America First Events Center and, most recently, Abilene Christian University 82-72 Saturday at College Park Center.
Topping the men’s team in stats is senior guard Marcell McCreary with an average of 14.7 points per game, a 39-point season high and a team high in steals. Senior forward Raysean Seamster leads the team in rebounds and blocks while holding a 52% field goal average.
Sophomore forward Miles Goodman cheers after the team scored during a game against Missouri State University on Nov. 15 at College Park Center.
Women’s basketball
The women’s team finished the fall semester with a 5-5 record, one game of which was an upset 61-60 win for UTA against Texas A&M University off a buzzer-beater lay-up by freshman forward Kira Reynolds during the Hawaii North Shore Showcase on Nov. 24 at George Q. Cannon Activities Center.
The Lady Mavericks opened the break with a 75-54 loss to Rice University on Dec. 12 at Tudor Fieldhouse, but rebounded with an 81-73 victory over Texas Southern University on Dec. 17 at College Park Center. UTA then faced its second Power Five opponent of the preseason, falling 110-45 to Louisiana State University to close out the preseason schedule Dec. 21 at Maravich Center.
Conference play has been turbulent for the Lady Mavericks, opening with a four-game losing streak, most recently falling to Abilene Christian University 59-56 Saturday at the Moody Coliseum. During the stretch, UTA also saw a 66-57 loss to Tarleton State University, an 85-64 loss to California Baptist and a 58-55 loss to Southern Utah.
Senior guard Nya Threatt and senior guard Kali Haizlip celebrate during a game against Tennessee State University on Nov. 14 at College Park Center.
File photo / Elvis Martinez-Cartagena
Emerging from the recent defeats is Kira Reynolds, who has put up consistent numbers since her fall debut. The newcomer leads the team in blocks, rebounds and scoring, posting an average of 12.4 points per game — the only Lady Maverick to hit double digits.
Junior guard Jadyn Atchison is tied for the team lead in assists and leads the team in steals. The guard holds second on the team in scoring and currently averaging 7.9 points per game, tied with redshirt junior forward Mila Reynolds. Senior guard Kali Haizlip has made an impact as one of the returning members, shooting 50% from beyond the arc and 83% from the free throw line.
The Lady Mavericks continue their schedule with a home game against Utah Tech University at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at College Park Center. The men’s team will also face Utah Tech, with tipoff at 8 p.m. Thursday at Burns Arena. Both games will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
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