March 7, 2009

After dropping the second round to Chicago State, the Lady Broncs had one more chance to make history as the team with the most wins in a season, but fell short to NJIT as the Lady Highlanders defeated the Lady Broncs (14-16) 49-45 this Saturday (Mar. 7) afternoon at The McKay Center in Orem, Utah.

"We gave great effort and we continued to get defensive stops, but we just couldn't get the shots to fall," said head women's basketball coach DeAnn Craft. "We are very proud of what we accomplished this season and will build on it as we move into the Great West Conference next season."

UTPA had a late start in their final contest of the season as they held their first lead late in the first with 5:39 left to play. NJIT came right back to regain the lead and tied at 21 going into the half.

The Lady Broncs then held the lead to begin the second and flip-flopped several times with NJIT for the lead before the Lady Highlanders took the final lead of the contest with 8:04 on the clock.

As time winded down, the Lady Broncs were still in the game as they were down by two with 12 seconds left to play. Marah Guzman fouled Kehinde Oyelola as she made both free throws to give the Lady Highlanders a 49-45 victory.

Despite the loss, freshman forward Brittany Demery finished the final game of the season with eight points and nine rebounds, while teammate Rose Esther Jean scored five points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a block and steal apiece while garnering All-Tournament accolades.

Freshman guard Epiphany Smith played in all 40 minutes as she chipped in with six points and five assists.

The Lady Broncs concluded the 2008-09 season with a 14-16 overall record which ties the programs record in most wins.

UTPA Sports Information