Dec. 30, 2005

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The UTPA women's basketball team (4-10) picked up the victory, 68-50, on Friday (Dec. 30) over the Texas Southern Tigers (2-7) in the final game of the Battle at the Border in Edinburg, TX.

The two teams traded buckets early on, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the first eight minutes of the game until TSU's Shoshana Arbor connected on two free throws to tie the game at the 12:23 mark. At the 11:34 mark, freshman Whitney Coulson (Bloomfield Hills, MI/Lancer H.S.) connected on a jumper to give the Lady Broncs the lead. UTPA never trailed the rest of the way. Coulson finished the night with a career-high six points, two blocks and two rebounds.

The Lady Broncs led by 14 points at the half and TSU never got any closer during the second stanza. UTPA would build it's lead to as many as 26 points at the seven minute mark. The Lady Broncs shot 48% in the first half and came out even hotter in the second half, connecting on 55% of their shots from the field.

"Our goal was to play a full game and we came closer to that goal. Our offense executed very well and we got our scorers the ball. They didn't have to create shots by themselves and were able to hit their shots," stated head coach DeAnn Craft.

Tynesha Pierce (Houston, TX/Westfield H.S.) led all scorers in the game with 18 points on 7-8 shooting. The UTPA sophomore also pulled down five rebounds and notched two assists en route to an All-Tournament selection. In two games, Pierce scored 27 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and recorded three assists and three blocks.

"Ty had a very good game offensively and that's what we've come to expect from her," said Craft.

Senior Devin Reed (Indianapolis, IN/Cowley County C.C.) had a solid night for the Lady Broncs, scoring 11 points on 4-9 shooting from the field. Three of Reed's made field goals were from behind the three-point line, giving her a 60% mark on three-pointers. She also pulled down three rebounds, had two assists, one block and two steals.

"Devin is undoubtedly the heart and soul of this team and she hit several big shots for us tonight. She kept the team's intensity up where it needs to be every night," added Craft.

The Lady Broncs played excellent offensively and coupled that with a strong defensive performance. In the first half, the Tigers managed to make just three field goals on 21 attempts. For the game, TSU shot 31% from the floor.

The Lady Broncs return to action on Monday (Jan. 2) as they travel to El Paso, TX to take on the University of Texas-El Paso Miners on their home court at 7:00 p.m.

UTPA Sports Information