Mavericks' Ascent
An analytical examination of the UT Arlington Mavericks' championship season, their strategic play, and their journey through collegiate basketball's competitive landscape.
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Season Overview
A Season of Triumph
The 2016โ17 season marked a significant chapter for the UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball program. The team achieved a remarkable overall record of 27 wins and 9 losses, demonstrating consistent performance throughout their campaign. This stellar record culminated in them securing the Sun Belt Conference regular season championship, a testament to their dominance within the league. Their postseason journey extended to the Quarterfinals of the prestigious National Invitation Tournament (NIT), showcasing their capability on a broader national stage.
Coaching Cadre
Guiding the Mavericks through this successful season was Head Coach Scott Cross, who was in his eleventh season at the helm. His extensive experience and strategic acumen were pivotal in shaping the team's performance. He was supported by a dedicated team of assistant coaches, including Greg Young, Zak Buncik, and Kenneth Mangrum, whose collective efforts contributed to the team's tactical execution and player development.
Home Court Advantage
The Mavericks played their home games at the College Park Center, a venue that served as a formidable fortress for the team. The energy and support from their home crowd undoubtedly played a role in their impressive home record and overall success, providing a crucial advantage in key conference matchups and non-conference contests.
Previous Season
Building Momentum: The 2015-16 Foundation
The 2015โ16 season laid crucial groundwork for the subsequent year's success. The Mavericks concluded that season with an overall record of 24 wins and 11 losses, including a 13โ7 record in Sun Belt Conference play, which placed them in third position within the league. Their postseason endeavors included reaching the semifinals of the Sun Belt tournament, where they ultimately fell to LouisianaโMonroe after defeating Texas State. Furthermore, the team participated in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT), where they achieved their first-ever post-season tournament win against Savannah State before advancing to the quarterfinals, where they were defeated by NJIT. This experience provided valuable tournament exposure and competitive maturity for the returning players.
Team Roster
The Maverick Squad: Player Profiles
The 2016โ17 UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball team comprised a diverse group of student-athletes, each contributing to the team's dynamic. The roster featured a blend of experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen, hailing from various hometowns, including international talent. This collective talent and depth were instrumental in their championship run.
Game Schedule
Non-Conference Gauntlet
The Mavericks' non-conference schedule was strategically designed to test the team against diverse opponents, preparing them for the rigors of Sun Belt play. Notable victories included an impressive road win against No. 12 Saint Mary's and a triumph over Texas, demonstrating their capacity to compete with nationally recognized programs. Despite early losses to Minnesota, Florida Gulf Coast, and Arkansas, the team quickly found its rhythm, building a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
Sun Belt Dominance
Within the Sun Belt Conference, UT Arlington showcased exceptional performance, culminating in a 14โ4 record and the regular season championship. Key victories over rivals like Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, and Arkansas State highlighted their consistent competitive edge. While facing tough losses against Texas State, Troy, Coastal Carolina (away), and LouisianaโLafayette (away), the Mavericks maintained their composure and ultimately secured the top seed.
Postseason Odyssey
The postseason saw the Mavericks enter the Sun Belt tournament as the top seed, where they defeated Coastal Carolina in the quarterfinals before a challenging loss to Texas State in the semifinals. As regular season champions, they earned an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Their NIT run was particularly noteworthy, featuring impressive victories over BYU and Akron, propelling them to the quarterfinals before a hard-fought loss to Cal State Bakersfield concluded their season.
Season Journey
Path to the Championship
The 2016โ17 season for the UT Arlington Mavericks was characterized by a consistent upward trajectory. After navigating a challenging non-conference schedule that included victories over ranked opponents and Power Five conference teams, the Mavericks entered Sun Belt play with significant momentum. Their strategic execution and cohesive team play allowed them to dominate the conference, culminating in their well-deserved regular season championship. This achievement underscored their tactical superiority and the effectiveness of their coaching staff's game plans.
NIT Run: A National Stage
Despite a setback in the Sun Belt tournament semifinals, the Mavericks' impressive regular season record earned them an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament. This provided a valuable opportunity to compete against high-caliber teams from across the nation. Their victories against BYU and Akron in the early rounds of the NIT demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, ultimately reaching the quarterfinals. This deep run in a national tournament significantly elevated the program's profile and provided invaluable experience for the players.
Distinguished Accolades
Championship Recognition
The 2016โ17 UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball team earned significant recognition for their outstanding performance. Their crowning achievement was the Sun Belt Conference regular season championship, a testament to their consistent excellence throughout the conference schedule. Furthermore, their advancement to the Quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament solidified their standing as one of the top teams in collegiate basketball for that season, marking a memorable and successful campaign in the program's history.
Team Legacy
The success of the 2016โ17 season left an indelible mark on the UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball program. The team's achievements, including their conference championship and deep NIT run, served as a benchmark for future squads and significantly enhanced the university's athletic reputation. This season is remembered for its competitive spirit, strategic brilliance, and the collective effort that propelled the Mavericks to one of their most successful seasons in NCAA Division I history.
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