March 6, 2009

After dropping a road decision to the Lady Cougars just less than a week ago, the Lady Broncs faced Chicago State on the second day of the National Independent Tournament and suffered a 60-48 setback at the McKay Center in Orem, UT.

"We weren't hot in the first half but we shot great in the second half. We competed hard but dug ourselves in a hole in the first, but we have to let go of this game and prepare ourselves for tomorrow against NJIT," said head women's coach DeAnn Craft.

After a scoreless 3:02 of play, the Lady Broncs put up 2-0 lead on a jumper by Rose Esther Jean. UTPA didn't hold onto that lead for very long as Chicago State took their first lead of the game with 15:48 on the clock. The Lady Broncs would hold a short lead on CSU for their last lead of the contest.

The Lady Broncs came as close as one on several occasions, but reached a double-digit deficit with a 1:34 left to play in the first. At the half, the Lady Broncs trailed by 11.

UTPA was able to come within seven on two occasions in the beginning of the second, but wasn't enough to hold off Chicago State for the championship game.

The Lady Broncs had three players in double-figures with freshman Brittany Demery and Epiphany Smith both scoring 11 points apiece with Demery adding six rebounds and two steals and Smith adding four assists.

Rose Esther Jean recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds along with four blocks, for the second time this season.

Chicago State had Lady Cougars with double-figures all scoring 12 points apiece (C. Waldon, J. Dixon, N. Marlowe). Dixon recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Broncs will face NJIT in the final day of the National Independent Tournament in the consolation bracket with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. CT

UTPA Sports Information