Jan. 28, 2009
The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball program (5-13) dropped a heart-wrenching 66-63 decision to Auburn (13-7) this Tuesday (Jan. 27) at the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum in Auburn, Ala.
The Broncs had a rough start as the Tigers went on a 14-0 run before scoring their first bucket on a layup by Nathan Hawkins. The Broncs were able to bring down the deficit to seven on two different occasions but entered the half trailing by 11 with a score of 39-28.
The Broncs then worked their way within two at the 9:51 mark in the second half and took their first lead with 9:26 left to play on a three-point shot from Nick Weiermiller. UTPA held on to their lead for 1:59 before Auburn took the lead for the last time with 6:16 left to play.
In the final minutes of play, the Broncs were able to come within one with 2:27 left to play. Each team took their turn putting points on the board in the final seconds and with eight seconds left the Broncs were down by two after a layup by PJ Turner.
Turner then fouled with seven seconds left taking Quantez Robertson to the foul line, who was 1-for-2 at the foul line at the time. Robertson then made one of two free throws giving the Tigers a three-point lead. The Broncs held the final shot with a second left on the clock but Weiermiller was unable to make his shot to tie the game.
The Broncs outscored the Tigers 35-27 in the second half while outscoring them 16-4 with points in the paint.
For the game, UTPA shot 42 percent (24-57), including 31 percent (8-26) from beyond the arc and 47 percent (7-15) from the foul line.
PJ Turner finished on top for the Broncs with 16 points for a career-high along with two assists. Teammate Nathan Hawkins added another 13 points, four boards and one assist. Freshman Andrew Smith chipped in three points on 3-of-4 shooting from the line along with three rebounds in five minutes of play.
Auburn's DeWayne Reed shined for the Tigers with 14 points, six assists and three steals.
The Broncs return to the UTPA Fieldhouse for their next game versus Savannah State on Feb. 2 with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. CT
UTPA Sports Information
