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HOUSTON, Texas -- The University of Texas-Pan American Broncs men's basketball team (11-19, 5-4 Great West Conference) can clinch a top-three finish and a berth in the semifinals of the Great West Conference Tournament with a win over the Houston Baptist University Huskies (9-19, 2-7 GWC) on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Sharp Gym.

UTPA Men's Basketball Dismisses Jefferson, Suspends Cleveland

The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Saturday that men's basketball junior forward Earl Jefferson has been dismissed from the team for violating the department code of conduct and team policy as well as for conduct detrimental to the team.
 
Additionally, sophomore forward Josh Cleveland has been suspended indefinitely from game competition for violating the department code of conduct and team policy.
 
The UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will have no further comment.

What You Need to Know

First Round Bye At Stake: If the Broncs win tonight's game, they will assure themselves of a top-three finish in the Great West Conference standings and clinch a berth in the semifinals. The #4 and #5 seeds will play in the first round, with the winner of that facing the #1 seed while the #2 and #3 seeds also face each other in the semifinals. If the Broncs win and North Dakota loses to Utah Valley, the Broncs will be the #2 seed. If the Broncs and North Dakota both win, the Broncs will be the #3 seed.

UTPA vs. Houston Baptist: This Broncs are 12-8 all-time against the Huskies in a series that dates back to 1972 … The Broncs beat the Huskies earlier this season, 81-71 at the UTPA Fieldhouse (1/28) … Brandon Provost led all scorers with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from behind the arc … In three career games, Provost is averaging 22.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals … In five games, Aaron Urbanus is averaged 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals and Jared Maree is averaging 13.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 steals.
 
Last Time Out

North Dakota 86, UTPA 60 (2/27/12):

• Josh Cleveland recorded his first career double-double, Cleveland set new career-highs in points (15), rebounds (11), offensive rebounds (6), steals (2) and field goals attempted (13), while tying his career-highs in field goals made (6) and free throws attempted (7) in 26 minutes off the bench.
• Ruben Cabrera made his first start since January 19 and 11^th of the season, scoring six points with one rebound in 11 minutes.
• Kieondre Arkwright made his second appearance of the conference season, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in 12 minutes.

Last Meeting

UTPA 81, Houston Baptist 71 (1/28/12):

• Leading 55-54 mid-way through the second half, the Broncs used a 21-6 run to put the game out of reach.
• Brandon Provost tied his career-high with 23 points while hitting 8-of-13 shots, including 3-of-5 from behind the arc.
• Earl Jefferson scored a career-high 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting while hitting all three of his attempts from behind the arc.

Next Up

The Broncs take part in the Great West Conference Tournament hosted by Chicago State University. The Broncs will either face North Dakota in the semifinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m. or Houston Baptist in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.