The #1 ranked Southeast Texas Mavericks led throughout and gave the Dallas Generals their first loss of the season on Saturday night at the Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX.

The Mavericks broke open a close game in the first quarter behind the stellar play of Jermaine Blackburn, Josh Pace, and reigning ABA MVP DeRon Rutledge. With the Bookend Wings controlling the perimeter and Rutledge in the lane the Mavs moved to an 18 point first quarter lead and led at the end of the first period 38-20.

The Generals got in going in the second period of play behind high flying Jonathan Walker. Walker and his teammates fought hard to cut into the Mavericks lead and went in down by 13 points 58-45 at halftime.

The 3rd quarter was very similar to the 2nd as Walker, Benny West, and Earl Rabb all got into the comeback effort. Dallas continued to cut into the Mavericks lead and only trailed by 7 points heading into the last quarter of play.

In the 4th quarter long range shooting specialist Currye Todd came off the Mavs bench to hit two big 3 point shots that extended the Mavericks lead back to 13 points. Mavs point guard Herman Favors finally got the Mavericks high scoring offense clicking with some timely passes and penetrating drives into the Generals zone defense. The Mavericks spurted and controlled the 4th quarter of play to finally extend their lead back to twenty points and roll to a 124-106 victory.

MAVS SCORERS:

The Mavericks were led by ABA MVP candidate Jermaine Blackburn. Blackburn continued his all-around play on the season with a 28 point, 7 rebound, and 7 assist performance. Herman Favors scored 26 points while dishing out 12 assist. DeRon Rutledge clearly played his best game of the season with a 19 point and 11 rebound effort. Josh Pace followed up with 12 points and 5 rebounds. The Generals were led by Jonathan Walkers game high 31 points. Benny West and Earl Rabb scored 18 and 16 points respectively.

MAVS SUPERLATIVES:

The Mavericks have now won 27 of their last 28 games at Ford Arena and have a 27-2 all-time record over the last two seasons in their home venue.

Mavs back-up center Lamar Sanders pulled down 10 rebounds and played outstanding defense as his consistency continues to develop.

The Mavericks again pulled down 50 rebounds as a team as their domination of the boards continues this season.

MAVS NEXT GAME:

The SETX Mavericks will play at home this Monday night vs the Arlington Bulldogs as another DFW Metroplex ABA professional basketball team will make another appearance at the Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.