Nov. 19, 2009

Final Stats

The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball program (0-3) suffered a 77-55 loss to the A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (2-2) this Thursday (Nov. 19) afternoon at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

"It was a bit frustrating tonight because we couldn't get into a shooting rhythm. There are some games where your defense can keep you in, but at some point you have to make baskets," said head men's basketball coach Ryan Marks.

After a 10-0 run by the Islanders, ChaRunn Jones put the Broncs on the board with a jumper at the 13:25 mark. Senior Nate Hawkins then followed Jones' two points with a layup on the next possession at the 12:56 mark.

With 7:37 left on the clock, Luis Valera brought the Broncs within two (14-12) on an under the basket pass. After the Islanders extended their lead, a three-point shot by Nick Weiermiller at the 6:06 mark put the Broncs back within three (18-15).

The Islanders extended their lead once again, in the first, but a basket by Hawkins cut the deficit to nine with 1:52 on the clock to make the score 30-21, Islanders. At the half, the Broncs trailed by 13 with a score of 36-23.

The Broncs struggled in the second as they faced their largest deficit with 33 seconds left on the clock by 24 points.

Luis Valera was the Broncs high scorer with 10 points along with three rebounds and one block. Ben Smith added nine points for the Broncs along with one block, two assists, and one steal.

"Luis did a great job tonight. He didn't have a great first half, but he gained his composure and did most of his damage in the second," said Marks of Valera.

A&M-Corpus Christi finished with three Islanders in double-figures with Kevin Palmer recording a game-high 17 points; Palmer added six rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block.

The Broncs hit the road once again and head to Columbia, MO as they face Mizzou on Nov. 22. Tip-off is slated for 1:00 p.m.

UTPA Sports Information