Dennis has Career Game as UT Arlington Defeats Little Rock

UT Arlington Edric Dennis makes a move to the basket. (1/19/19)

© 2019 Miss Ari Photography

ARLINGTON – In an impressive offensive display, UT Arlington defeated Little Rock 82-73 Saturday afternoon. Both teams entered College Park Center with records of 7 – 11 overall.

UT Arlington was able to move the ball with relative ease in the first half, building their largest lead of 12 points. Guard Edric Dennis played over 17 minutes of the 20 minute first half and scored 18 points on five of nine shooting. Dennis also took seven first half free throws, making six. Dennis appeared to be quite loose and aggressive Saturday.

While Dennis had help from his teammates, especially on the defensive end – he was indeed a one man scoring threat. He finished the game with a career-high 32 points. Dennis also drew 10 Little Rock fouls, repeatedly getting himself to the free throw line. 15 of 17 free throws from Dennis kept UT Arlington in the lead the entire game.

“I’ve watched film and thought more about my body,” says Dennis, who has recently spent extra time working with team trainers to ensure his best possible conditioning.

“Anytime you can score at the line it’s big,” says Dennis. “Our goal is to be playing in March, so free throws are very important in getting us there.”

UT Arlington Coach Chris Ogden was pleased with the outcome of Saturday’s game, but insists that his team will improve upon its errors.

“Anytime you’re sitting 4 – 2 and get a win in the league – it’s a positive,” says Ogden.

“We’re back on the road with two tough opponents coming up. We have to learn from the mistakes, go in there with a plan and a mindset to win.”

Little Rock struggled to consistently score against a swarming UT Arlington defense. Guard Markquis Nowell led all Little Rock sorcerers with 21 points and seven assists. The team managed to shoot 44.4 percent for the game – comparable to UT Arlington’s 47.7 percent for the game. The deciding factor Saturday was definitely Dennis’ ability to score at will. Little Rock also had 24 turnovers and managed to go just 18 -27 from the free throw line.

“You have to protect home,” says Ogden. “We’ve given a few away here – we want to be apart of the fight and to do that you have to protect home.”

Now 8-11 and third in the Sun Belt Conference - UT Arlington plays both Georgia Southern and Georgia State on the road next week.