Dec. 29, 2003

NORMAN, OK-Seventh-ranked Oklahoma's defense was the decisive factor in the game between the Sooners and The University of Texas-Pan American's men's basketball team at the Lloyd Noble Center Monday evening. OU used a 13-0 run at the end of the first half to take control and defeated the Broncs, 72-57.

Texas-Pan American got off to a good start, and gave the Sooners all they could handle for the first 15 minutes of the game. After OU began the game by scoring the game's first eight points, junior forward Chris Fagan (Bronx, NY/Storm King HS/Trinidad State) connected on a pair of three-pointers to cut the lead to 8-6. Jason Williams scored eight consecutive points for Oklahoma on two three-pointers and a pair of free throws to make it 16-7, but the Broncs came right back with an 8-0 run.

Fagan and junior guard Eric Montalvo ((La Joya, TX/La Joya HS) each contributed a trey during the 8-0 run, and Texas-Pan American held the Sooners scoreless for a span of 5:53 during that period. The teams battled back and forth, and a three-pointer by junior guard Ray Castillo (San Antonio, TX/South San Antonio HS/Temple College) and a layup by junior guard Sergio Sanchez (San Antonio, TX/South San Antonio HS/Temple College) allowed UTPA to cut Oklahoma's lead to a single point, 24-23, with 4:05 remaining. The Sooners responded by outscoring the Broncs, 13-2 during the final four minutes to take a 37-25 advantage into the locker room at the halftime intermission.

A jumper and a three-pointer by Sanchez and a layup by senior forward Andrius Sakalys (Vilnius, Lithuania/M. Dauksos HS/Eastern Oklahoma State) brought Texas-Pan American within eight points at 42-34 early in the second half. However, the Broncs could get no closer, but never fell further than 16 points behind as they stayed within range for most of the game.

"They had about five or six possessions that made the difference," said UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman. "They got loose, they hit some threes, and they got some separation. We played hard, and but we just missed some shots. We couldn't keep them off the boards, and they got a few put backs that really hurt us. Our guys are getting close, and I was proud of our effort, and of our intensity. We've got to continue to improve each time out."

"I want to congratulate Texas-Pan American," said Oklahoma Head Coach Kelvin Sampson. "They were the better team out there tonight. They were well-coached and well-prepared. They played their hearts out tonight."

Fagan led the Broncs with 13 points, and added seven rebounds. Sanchez had 11 points, and added six assists.

Kevin Bookout led the Sooners with 18 points and 12 rebounds. De'Angelo Alexander added 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Jaison Williams contributed 17 points. The Broncs made 39.6 per cent of their shots from the field, and limited OU to 43.5 per cent. Oklahoma outrebounded Texas-Pan American, 45-34, and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds.

The Broncs fell to 3-9 with the defeat, while Oklahoma improved to 9-0. UTPA will return to action when they host McMurry Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the second game of a doubleheader, following the Lady Broncs' game against Prairie View A&M.