Dec. 31, 2003
New Page 1
EDINBURG, TEXAS-The University of Texas-Pan American's men's
basketball team finally regained their touch in their game against McMurry at
the UTPA Fieldhouse Wednesday evening. The Broncs made 63.2 per cent of
their shots from the field in the second half, outscored the Indians after the
halftime break, 52-36, and went on to a 90-58 victory.
The teams battled on nearly even terms early in the first
half. Texas-Pan American broke an 11-all tie with a 27-11 run during the final
12:21 of the first half to take a 38-22 halftime lead.
Forward Allen Holcomb (Sr. /Chicago, IL/Steinmetz HS/Allen
County CC) ignited the run with a layup and a pair of free throws. Guard Eric Montalvo (Jr. /La Joya, Texas/La Joya HS) followed with a layup and a
three-pointer, while forward Chris Fagan (Jr. /Bronx, N.Y./Storm King
HS/Trinidad State College) added two free throws and a layup as the Broncs took
a commanding lead.
The Broncs continued to stretch their advantage, building a 34-point advantage,
83-49 with 3:04 to go.
Guard Sergio Sanchez (Jr. /San Antonio, Texas/South San
Antonio HS/Temple College) led Texas-Pan American (4-9), with a career-high 29
points. Sanchez' made eight of 11 shots from the field, six of eight from behind
the arc, and seven of seven from the free throw line. Montalvo chipped in with
22 points and hit four three-pointers, while Fagan had a double-double with 14
points and 10 rebounds.
Senior forward Juan Muniz, a teammate of Montalvo at La Joya
High School, led McMurry (4-4) with 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
J.R. Williams and Heath Hardin added seven points apiece.
"Our guys showed a lot of heart tonight," said UTPA Head
Coach Bob Hoffman. "Sergio made a lot of plays. Eric was huge for us in the
first half in helping us get a lead, and Sergio was huge after that. Chris is
getting better each night out. McMurry is a well-coached team, and you can see
why they've won a lot of games in their league. They are able to get you out of
your rhythm, and they did that to use at the start of the game. There wasn't an
uncontested pass the whole evening, and I thought we did a good job."
Texas-Pan American will return to action when they begin a
three-game road trip by visiting Baylor next Tuesday evening. The Broncs will
not return home until they play Missouri-Kansas City Monday, January 19th.
