Dec. 5, 2009

HOUSTON, TX--The University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball program claimed the Consolation Title in dramatic OT fashion, defeating Jackson State 49-48, at the Gene Hackerman Invitational tournament, on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 5) at the Tudor Fieldhouse.

In a game that saw nine lead changes, the Lady Broncs were able to win their first game of the season despite trailing at the half by a score of 21-20. In the second half, UTPA out scored Jackson State, 19-18, but after neither team was able to score in the last 2:57 of regulation, the game went to overtime.

The Lady Broncs fell behind by two points just 46 seconds in overtime after Aleeya Grigsby fouled Mar'chetta Parker sending her to the free throw line. On the next possession, Parker fouled Grigsby, sending her to the line, where Grigsby returned the favor to tie the game at 41-41.

The two teams traded leads three times in overtime before Bianca Torre was fouled after making a basket with just 14 seconds left in the game, sending Torre to the free throw line with a chance to take the lead. Torre made the free throw to take the lead, but the victory was not sealed for the Lady Broncs until a blocked shot by Rose Esther Jean at the buzzer.

Grigsby led a trio of Lady Broncs in double figures with 16 points and nine rebounds, followed by Torre with 12 points and Maria Ben Erlingsdotir with 10. Rachel Jones led Jackson State with 16 points and six rebounds.

The Lady Broncs shot 27.3% from the field, 23.8% from beyond the three-point line and 82.4% from the free-throw line. Jackson State shot 37.7% from the field, 28.6% from behind the three-point arc and 46.2% from the free-throw line.

The Lady Broncs return to action on Thursday (Dec. 10) as they face Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m.