Dec. 18, 2008

After a month long hiatus from playing at the UTPA Fieldhouse, the University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball program returned with a hard-fought 74-72 victory over UTSA this Thursday (Dec. 18) night.

"They did a great job and I'm so proud of them. This is the proudest I've ever been of them. I was impressed with them and even if we didn't win, I think we did the little things that put ourselves in position to win," said head men's basketball coach Tom Schuberth.

The first half had many toss-ups as both teams accounted for six lead changes with the Broncs scoring the opening points on a jumper by Emmanuel Jones and entered halftime leading by seven (39-32).

By the half, UTPA shot 51.5 percent (17-33) from the field, 36.4 percent (4-11) from the three-point line and 25 percent (1-4) from the line.

UTPA held the largest lead in the second by 11 as Nick Weiermiller scored two for the Broncs at the 17:55 mark. The Broncs allowed UTSA to come within one on two occasions.

The Broncs went on a 5-2 run to end the second but were pressed for time as UTSA held the final possession of the ball in the last 1:18 but were unable to score. UTPA was able to hold off the Roadrunners for the 74-72 win to put them at 4-7 on the season.

UTPA finished the contest shooting 55 percent (33-60) from the field, 41.2 percent (7-17) from beyond the arc and 12.5 percent (1-8) from the line.

Emmanuel Jones finished the night one rebound shy of a double-double as he scored 24 points and nine boards along with four assists, a career-high four blocks and one steal.

Nathan Hawkins scored 15 points for the Broncs along with two rebounds and one steal. Freshman Jared Maree recorded 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point range and added three rebounds and one steal. Nick Weiermiller was the only other Bronc to score double-figures as he finished the night with his second double-double of the season, 11 points and career-high 15 assists, and two steals.

"We want to keep improving. We have eight more home games and if we can win those, we'll still have a good season," added Schuberth.

The Broncs will hit the road again as they face Weber State on Dec. 22 at the Southern Miss Tournament.