ARLINGTON, TX (11.27.17) – The UT Dallas men's basketball team got a taste of NCAA Division I competition Monday night, falling 73-53 to the University of Texas at Arlington in the College Park Center.

The Comets (2-2) struggled to keep up with the taller and more athletic Mavericks, who shot a sizzling 43 percent from the field, scored 44 points in the paint and dished out 18 assists in an efficient offensive showing. UTA, whose only loss this season was a one-pointer to nationally-ranked Alabama, improved to 5-1.

UTD, however, did keep things interesting throughout. Sophomore Dimitrius Underwood poured in a team-high 24 points. And, despite getting very few second-chance points early, pulled within 47-43 in the rebounding battle.

After falling behind 12-5 from the opening tip, the Comets did claw their way back into the game and tied the score at 16-16 with 8:59 to go in the first half. But UTA counted with a 15-3 run to finish the first half with a 31-19 lead. A three-pointer from Caleb Banks stopped the drought with :17 left.

After being held to just 21.9 percent shooting in the first 20 minutes, the Comets picked up the pace after halftime with 14-of-40 shooting. The Comets did cut the lead back to single digits at 33-24 to open the second half after a Reagan Keogh steal and Underwood fast break layup. Both teams were charged with 17 turnovers.

Coach Terry Butterfield emptied his bench late in each half, giving each player a taste of the Division I atmosphere.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Comets countered the UTA defense with 28 three-point attempts, hitting six. After being held to just 21.9 percent shooting in the first half, the Comets picked up the pace with 14-of-40 shooting after halftime for 35 percent.

The Comets were whistled for 17 personal fouls, which UTA converted into 15-of-20 points at the line.

KEY PERFORMERS
Underwood went toe-to-toe with his Division I defenders, canning 9-of-17 from the floor and hitting a pair of three-pointers. He also finished the game with a team-high seven rebounds.

NEXT GAME
The Comets open American Southwest Conference play at 7:30 pm Thursday against Howard Payne.