Feb. 5, 2009

After entering a five-game losing streak, the Broncs (6-14) put an end to that as they defeated the Texas A&M International Dustdevils 76-52 Wednesday (Feb. 4) night at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

"I'm very pleased with how the guys played. We came out with a great incisive level and it paid off," said third-year head coach Tom Schuberth. "They made shots and we didn't panic; we were ready to play."

The Broncs grabbed their first and last lead of the game with 12:00 to play in the first half that led into the second with an eight point advantage over the Dustdevils at the half.

Foul trouble seemed to be the name of the game as the both teams committed 10 fouls each in the first, and in the second the Broncs committed 14 while TAMIU committed 11 fouls.

After a halftime pep talk, the Broncs came back on the court with full force as they took their lead to double-figures within 2:09 of play. The Broncs didn't hold back what they had been capable to do the entire season. UTPA held their largest lead of 30 twice, once with 3:42 on the clock and the other with 1:06 left to play.

"We need to build on it (coming off a win). We talked about one game at a time and we have Chicago State coming in on Saturday and we are capable of winning that game. We showed we could be a good ball club and our effort tonight was as good as it could be," said Schuberth.

UTPA finished with three Broncs in double-figures with Emmanuel Jones scoring 18 points for a game-high on 4-of-12 shooting from the field, including 10-of-11 from the foul line along with four boards and two steals.

Jared Maree recorded 13 points, six rebounds and two steals, while teammate Nathan Hawkins finished the night with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field with two rebounds and one steal.

Derek Barnes was the top player for the Dustdevils with 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The Broncs remain at the UTPA Fieldhouse as they conclude their three-game home stand as they face Chicago State on Saturday, Feb. 7 with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. CT.

UTPA Sports Information