Nov. 14, 2008

The University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball program dropped its season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 53-65, this Friday (Nov. 14) night at H.O. Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, AR making them 0-1 on the season.

"We just didn't shoot well from behind the arc (2-13) and we turned the ball over too much," said head women's basketball coach DeAnn Craft. "I was extremely pleased with our efforts on the boards."

The Lady Broncs had a rough start as they missed their opening shot with Arkansas taking the rebound and scoring off an Arica Green jumper. The Lady Broncs tied the score once but were unable to keep up with Arkansas' game.

UTPA faced their biggest deficit of 10 right before the first half came to an end as the Lady Broncs trailed 30-20.

The Lady Broncs left the first half shooting 40 percent on 8-20 shooting from the field. Rose Esther Jean led the Lady Broncs with seven points.

To open up the second half, the Lady Broncs went on a 5-0 run bringing the deficit to five, which would be the closest UTPA would get to the Lady Lions.

Rose Esther Jean and Teshay Winfrey led the way for the Lady Broncs as Jean collected 13 points, six rebounds and three steals with Winfrey finishing with 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe to go along with four rebounds.

Newcomer Epiphany Smith saw plenty of playing time as she recorded 29 minutes of play. Within that time, Smith notched nine points with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. In 12 minutes of play, Shavon Walker went 2-of-5 from the field with five rebounds and one steal.

"Shavon Walker had a great game in limited action that she saw," added Craft. The Lady Broncs will next travel to Martin, TN as they face Tennessee-Martin on Nov. 17 with game time slated for 7:00 p.m.

UTPA Sports Information