By Nick Veronica

Shannon Evans had 24 points and five rebounds to lead UB past Texas-Arlington, 74-68, Tuesday night in the Bulls’ first game since hanging tough with No. 1 Kentucky.

Will Regan added 15 points for UB while Jarryn Skeete had 13. Point guard Lamonte Bearden played 23 minutes before fouling out with eight points and seven rebounds.

UB led at halftime, 35-31, and never trailed in the second half while improving to 2-1. Teams shot nearly identical percentages from the field — 38.9 for UB, 38.8 for UT-Arlington — but the Bulls were able to get to the free-throw line 31 times, hitting 24.

Erick Neal scored 15 points off the bench to lead the Mavericks, whose reserves outscored their starters, 43-25.

Xavier Ford led UB with eight rebounds while playing 20 minutes off the bench.

Starters: UB – Lamonte Bearden, Shannon Evans, Jarryn Skeete, Will Regan, Justin Moss.

Next: UB hosts Montana State at 7 p.m. Friday.