HOUSTON, Texas- Adanna Opara tallied her first double-double as a Bronc netting 12 points and hauling in a game-high 12 rebounds as the University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball team knocked off the Tigers of Texas Southern 70-62 Tuesday morning at the HP&E Arena.
After trailing 6-5 with 16:54 remaining in the opening frame, the Broncs (2-0) went on an 10-1 run capped off by an Opara lay-up to take a 15-7 lead with 13:44 remaining in the half.
The Tigers (0-2) would rally to within five late in the first half on Nicole Walton's three pointer to make the score 24-19 with 5:13 remaining in the first half. The Broncs would finish the half on a 14-2 run, hitting three three-pointers in the process, to take a 38-21 at the intermission. The Broncs defense was also superb holding the Tigers to just 19% in the first half.
The Tigers mounted a furious rally to begin the second half. TSU began the second frame on a 15-0 run to pull within a basket at 38-36 with 16:59 remaining in the game. With 9:09 remaining, Walton knocked down another trey to tie the game at 44.
The Broncs would build the lead back up by going on a 13-2 run, capped off by an Erin Lewis lay-up to run the UTPA lead up-to 11. The Tigers wouldn't get closer than a six point deficit the rest of the way.
Bianca Torre tied Oparra's 12-point team leading scoring output while dishing out a team high six assists with four steals. CeMonay Newell scored 11, while Donne Jackson added 10 points and seven boards to lead the Broncs.
NaDosha Strickland scored a game high 16 points with five rebounds in the losing effort for the Tigers. Gabrielle Rosiji scored 14 points with 10 rebounds for the double double. Jasmine Cannon also brought down 10 boards with seven points.
The Broncs return home on Saturday afternoon as they face off against south Texas rival Texas A&M Corpus Christi at the UTPA Fieldhouse. Tip-off for Saturday's game against the Islanders is scheduled for 4pm.
