Jan. 14, 2009

Wednesday night the Lady Dustdevils of Texas A&M-International made the trip from Laredo to try and score a win against the Lady Broncs.

However, the Lady Broncs had different plans for a team that presses their opponents with no remorse as they defeated the Lady Dustdevils 84-47.

"Our overall team focus from start to finish was probably as good as it's been this year," said sixth-year head coach DeAnn Craft. "We had a lot of concerns coming into this game because we think their press is very good but this was a great game to see where we're at in the season."

Two Lady Broncs, Rose Esther Jean and Brittany Demery, finished the game with a double- double. Jean had 20 points, 10 rebounds and five steals while Demery had 11 points and 10 rebounds in only 15 minutes of play.

"Tremendous complete game," Craft said of Jean. "She's added so much versatility to her game and I think the fact that she was a beast on the offensive boards in the first half and had some chances for three-point type situation plays; I was proud of her concentration level in the game at all times."

Craft also said that defensively Jean altered plays and that opponents have to be aware of her because she can step in any passing lane.

Junior college transfer and Rio Grande Valley native Marah Guzman finished with a stellar night as she scored a season-high 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc along with three rebounds, one assist and two steals.

The Lady Broncs will be back in action against Cal State-Bakersfield on Saturday Jan. 17 at the UTPA Fieldhouse with tip off scheduled for 7 p.m.

"It's just one more step for us," Craft said of their victory. "We have an unbelievably tough match on Saturday. (Cal State) Bakersfield has just been on fire this year and I think this is a huge step for us just to see where we're at."

UTPA Sports Information