EDINBURG, Texas – Ce'Money Newell's 21 points helped the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Broncs women's basketball team continue their win streak to 3 in a 70-57 win over the Texas A & M-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) Islanders this afternoon at the UTPA Fieldhouse.
The Broncs (3-0) took control of the first half by grabbing a 7-0 lead on the Islanders (0-4), but Anita Jeffery put up 2 layups, followed by another from Jade Davis to put TAMUCC within two points 8-6 at the 15:55 mark. Sophomore Bianca Torre responded with a three-point shot for an 11-6 UTPA lead. Two layups by Adana Opara and another three-point shot from Torre gave the Broncs a 10-point advantage 18-8.
The Islanders's Jessica Jammer fought back with two jumpers, and chipped in two free throw shots that helped them close their deficit to 18-14 with 8:32 left in the first half. However, another layup from Opara and a pair of free throw shots from Erin Lewis brought UTPA's lead 8 points, 22-14.
With 2:06 left in the first half, a layup from Jeffery helped the Islanders get within three points of the Broncs 26-23, but Newell responded with a three. Freshman LaQuita Garner followed up with a layup that sent UTPA into halftime with a 33-25 advantage.
Davis started the second half with a jumper for the Islanders, but Maria Ben Erlingsdottir responded with a jumper to keep the Broncs on top 35-27. Jammer and Jeffery fought back for TAMUCC, but a jumper from Newell gave the Broncs a safe 10-point advantage 42-32.
Halfway through the second half, Newell knocked down another three-point shot, while Torre tallied two shots from downtown to give the Broncs a 55-38 lead.
Two free throws from Ashley Darley helped the Islanders get within 14 points of UTPA 61-47, but the Broncs could not be stopped. A jumper from Ashley Johnson and a free throw from Donna Jackson gave UTPA its largest advantage of the night, 68-47 with 2:59 left in the second half.
Jeffery and Davis fought back for the Islanders, helping TAMUCC close the gap to 13 points, but could not escape the Broncs.
In addition to Newell's 21 points, the Broncs were led by Opara, who put up a double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Torre also recorded 14 points and knocked down 4 three-point shots.
The Broncs will be back in action at home Monday, Nov. 22 when they host Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas at 7 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse. The team is holding a canned food drive, so clean out your cabinets to help others in the Rio Grande Valley have a happy Thanksgiving.
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