Senior forward LaMarcus Reed has competed in some big-time stadiums and arenas in his career.

From Mike A Myers Track and Soccer Stadium in Austin, as a senior at Skyline High School, competing in the 400m dash at the UIL 5-A State Track and Field Championships to the 14,000 screaming fans at the Breslin Student Events Center at Michigan State University or the historic Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan., against the then No. 3 Kansas Jayhwaks, Reed knows what it is like playing on the big stage.

It was actually in Allen Fieldhouse where Reed made the ESPN Top 10 plays one December night in 2010 with a monster slam dunk on Jayhawk center Thomas Robinson.

It may be a surprise to some, but Reed cites his most unique experience playing basketball was at the Dee Glenn Smith Spectrum at Utah State University.

“That crowd was the toughest place that I’ve played in in my college career,” said Reed.

But his favorite memory as a Maverick was at Alltel Arena (now Verizion Arena) against the Memphis Tigers in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, the only tournament appearance in the university’s history.

“It was probably the best thing I’ve experienced playing basketball,” Reed said. “They treated us like kings. It was just an awesome feeling and I want to get that feeling again, but I want to play this time.”

To do that, they must win the Southland Conference title. The team has been practicing in the College Park Center long enough to be comfortable, and Wednesday will be the first time for the Mavericks to see it in full force.

“There is nothing like having your own,” Reed said.

He said he is enjoying the experience at the new center.

“This is an upgrade to what we have had in the previous seasons. This is an amazing facility,” Reed said. “I don’t think there’s too many out there better than this. I haven’t been everywhere, but I can say with confidence that this is one of the best in the nation.”

The quest for the conference championship continues Wednesday against the UT-San Antonio Roadrunners (14-7, 6-1). This will be the unveiling of the College Park Center at UTA. It will also be for Southland Conference supremacy. UTA is 26-36 all-time vs. UT-San Antonio.

“UT-SA is always a tough school for us,” Reed said. “They always play us tough. They have a really good zone. We have to find ways to beat it.”

The Roadrunners are only one game behind the Mavericks (15-5, 7-0) for the lead in the conference.

“If we do what we have been doing all year, if we play defense the way we have and we execute on offense,” Reed said. “We will have the chance to win any game including UTSA, nothing changes for us.”