Jan. 7, 2010
Final Stats
The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball team dropped a 53-44 decision to the Northwestern Wildcats this Thursday (Jan. 7) afternoon at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL.
The loss drops the Broncs to 1-16 for the season and improves the Wildcats to 11-3 for the season. UTPA enters conference on an 11-game losing streak.
The Broncs stepped up their level of play as they gave the Wildcats a run for their money. The first half consisted of three ties and four lead changes and included the Broncs leading at the half by two.
UTPA was able to hold back the Wildcats as Northwestern remained scoreless in the first 3:21 of play. The Broncs used the Northwestern's 11 turnovers to their advantage as UTPA scored 10 points off of turnovers in the first half.
The Broncs opened up the second half strong as they extended their lead to seven within 43 seconds of play on a three-point shot by Nick Weiermiller and a fast-break layup by Julius Hearn.
UTPA slowed down their pace around the 11 minute mark as the Wildcats crept from behind and tied the game at the 11:06 mark on a free throw shot by Luka Mirkovic and took a one point lead as he drained his second free throw.
Nick Weiermiller was the Broncs top performer with 11 points, three steals, two assists, and one rebound. Senior Luis Valera added nine points along with four boards.
The Wildcats finished with two players with double-doubles with John Shurna scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 boards. Luka Mirkovic added 11 points and 11 boards.
Next up for the Broncs is the start of conference as they host NJIT at the UTPA Fieldhouse on January 14th with tip-off slated for 8:00 p.m.
UTPA Sports Information
