Feb. 28, 2004

Corpus Christi, Texas - Texas-Pan American (14-13) claimed the top honor among the NCAA Division I Independents with a 74-69 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (15-11). The Broncs finished 4-0 against independents while the Islanders were 2-2. The win was also UTPA's ninth straight victory.

The Islanders led for all but 10 seconds of the first half. Chris Fagan (Jr./Bronx, N.Y./Trinidad State College) hit a lay-up with 8:01 to go to make it, 15-14. At the 7:51 mark, Taurean Mitchell hit a jumper to take the lead back and they kept it the rest of the way.

In the second half, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi had an eight point lead three different times. The Islanders led, 53-45 with 9:35 to go when UTPA put on a run. The Broncs outscored the Islanders 24-7 to lead, 69-60 with 2:13 left. TAMCC refused to quit and triple by Aaron White closed the margin to two, 71-69 with 36 seconds left. The Broncs hit three free throws as Corpus missed two shots to end the game.

For Texas-Pan American, Sergio Sanchez (Jr./San Antonio, Texas/Temple College) had 21 points, eight assists, five steals and hit 10-of10 from the line playing all but one minute of the game. Fagan had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 8-of-12 from the floor. UTPA out rebounded TAM-Corpus Christi by 12 boards.

For Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Corey Stokes had 21 points, Brian Evans had 17 points and seven assists and Thomas Bailey had 12 points.

"All the credit for tonight goes to the players." Said head coach Bob Hoffman. "They just stepped up and did amazing things. Corpus is a very good team and Coach (Ronnie) Arrow is a great coach who has accomplished a lot. The win tonight is a microcosm of the whole year. We never stopped fighting and we preserved."

"The guys worked hard and earned the win tonight." Said associate head coach Robert Davenport. "It was senior night for TAMCC, their last game at home and last game of the season. We had all those factors against us and we battled back."

"It's easier to get ready to play after a win than it is a loss." Said Hoffman. "Arkansas State is a tough team. Their home arena is a hard place to play in and they have great crowds."

Texas-Pan American finishes the 2003-04 season taking on Arkansas State, Monday, March 1. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.