Nov. 28, 2009

Final Stats

SOUTH PADRES ISLAND, TX--The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball program dropped a 67-64 decision to Bethune-Cookman, in the fourth game of the South Padre Island Tournament, held at the South Padre Island Convention Centre on Saturday (Nov. 22).

Down by eight at the half, the Broncs opened up the second half strong, erasing an eight-point deficit and went ahead 42-43, on a layup by Luis Valera with 15:07 on the clock.

After six lead changes in the second half, Bethune-Cookman took the lead on a jump shot by C.J. Reed with five seconds in the game. The Broncs turned the ball over and were forced foul Bethune-Cookman, sending Tyrel Adams to the line. Adams hit on one of two free throws and after a quick time out with just over a second left in the game, the Broncs needed to in-bound the pass and hope for a quick grab-and-shoot. Unfortunately, the cross-court pass landed in the hands of a defender and the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game.

Immediately following the game, Valera was named to the All-tournament team. In two games at the SPI Convention Centre, Valera recorded 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

"I was really impressed with both teams. To play with that much energy on back-to-back days this early in the season is encouraging. After two really close games, I felt we did a lot of good things on the court," said head coach Ryan Marks. "Basketball is a funny game, one shot one way or another can change your outlook about how you feel about the game. I know our guys are down right now, but I thought we played well two days in a row," added Marks.

Jared Maree led the Broncs with 18 points and pulled down four rebounds. Ben Smith scored 15 points, all from beyond the three-point line, while Valera added eight points.

For Bethune-Cookman, C.J. Reed led all scorers with 27 points, while teammates Stanley Elliot and Alexander Starling each added nine points. As a team, UTPA shot 48.6% from the field, while Bethune-Cookman hit on 58.1% from the field.

The Broncs return to action on Wednesday, December 2nd, as they take on Nebraska in Lincoln, NE. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m. CST.