Dec. 18, 2008

After facing the No. 7 team in the country, Baylor, the University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball team was in Houston on Dec. 18 where they captured a 47-38 victory over the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University.

"For us it's always difficult coming back right after what happened to us at Baylor because we just shot so poorly," said DeAnn Craft, head coach of the women's basketball team. "But I'm just really proud because we mentally showed our toughness and we played very well defensively (against TSU)."

With four lead changes in the first half, the Lady Broncs, who shot 34 percent for the game, managed to keep the situation under control leading by as many as eight.   

Epiphany Smith, who played the entire game, finished the game with 11 points, six assists and shot 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Teshay Winfrey also finished the game with 11 points and collected two rebounds.

In the second half, the Lady Tigers, who finished the game shooting 35 percent, showed some spirit when Jasmine Cannon shot a three-pointer with 16:23 left in the game. The Lady Tigers would lead by as many as eight points until a three-point shot from Rachel Hester, who finished the game with eight points and two rebounds, gave the Lady Broncs the lead and command of the match. UTPA led by as many as 11 and ended the match-up by nine.

Rose Esther Jean, who also saw 40 minutes of action, finished the game with 10 points to go along with two blocks and four steals.

"Rose was just outstanding tonight," Craft added with delight.

Cannon finished the match with 12 points and nine turnovers but also played 40 minutes.

The Lady Broncs are back in action on Dec. 20 as they face Schreiner University at 5:00 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.