CEDAR CITY, Utah (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and missed opportunities at the free-throw line, the Campbell Fightin’ Camels mounted a second-half comeback to edge the Texas-Arlington Mavericks 71-67 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday afternoon at Centrum Arena.

A sparse crowd of 307 watched as Campbell, which trailed by three points at halftime, outscored Texas-Arlington 43-36 after the break to secure the victory and even its season record at 3-3. The Mavericks fell to 4-2 with the loss.

The contest was a sloppy, physical affair, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The game was ultimately decided at the charity stripe, where Campbell’s sheer volume of attempts overcame its poor accuracy. The Fightin’ Camels shot 19 of 32 from the line, while Texas-Arlington converted 13 of its 20 free throws.

Campbell’s victory was fueled by a dominant performance from forward Dovydas Butka. The junior from Panevezys, Lithuania, played 38 minutes and nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. He was instrumental in the second-half surge, scoring on several key possessions inside.

He was complemented by guard DJ Smith, who led all scorers with 20 points and added six rebounds. Smith’s ability to attack the basket and draw fouls was a constant challenge for the Mavericks’ defense.

For Texas-Arlington, the offensive load was carried by its frontcourt. Forward Cameron Jackson came off the bench to provide a spark, scoring 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds in just 24 minutes of action. His efficiency around the rim kept the Mavericks competitive throughout the game.

Forward Raysean Seamster also had a strong outing, posting 16 points and seven rebounds, while guard Marcell McCreary filled the stat sheet with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The first half was a defensive struggle, with both teams committing a combined 20 turnovers. Texas-Arlington managed to carve out a 31-28 lead by halftime, largely by capitalizing on Campbell’s mistakes, scoring 20 points off turnovers in the game.

However, the momentum shifted decisively after halftime. Campbell came out with increased energy, particularly in transition, where they outscored the Mavericks 19-8 in fastbreak points. A more aggressive offensive approach also led to numerous trips to the free-throw line, allowing the Fightin’ Camels to slowly erase the deficit and build a lead they would not relinquish.

Despite the loss, Texas-Arlington won several statistical battles. The Mavericks out-rebounded Campbell, particularly on the offensive glass with 12 rebounds leading to second-chance opportunities. They also dished out twice as many assists, 10 to 5, and recorded 10 steals, showcasing their active defensive hands.

Yet, Campbell’s ability to generate easier scoring opportunities in the second half and its persistence in drawing fouls proved to be the difference. The game remained tight in the final minutes, but crucial free throws from Jeremiah Williamson-Johnson and DJ Smith in the closing seconds sealed the four-point win for the Fightin’ Camels. Williamson-Johnson finished with 12 points.

The game was part of a multi-team event at Centrum Arena. Texas-Arlington will look to rebound quickly as it faces Weber State on Saturday. Campbell, meanwhile, travels to face Wake Forest on Tuesday.