EDINBURG, Texas - The University of Texas-Pan American women's bsketball team saw a 13-point halftime lead evaporate in the second half as they fell to Chicago State University 86-79 Saturday night at the UTPA Fieldhouse. It was the fourth straight loss for UTPA. 

The Broncs (9-16, 1-6 GWC) gained their first lead of the contest with 14:54 to play in the first half when Maria Ben Erlingsdottir hit a three-pointer giving UTPA the 13-11 advantage. Courtney Waldon nailed a jumper for CSU at the 13:25 mark to cap off a 7-0 Cougar run as they led 18-13. The Broncs responded with a 10-0 run as Adanna Opara's jumper gave UTPA a 23-18 lead with 9:43 to play until halftime.

The Broncs finished the final 8:32 of the opening period on a 17-6 run to lead the Cougars at the break 42-29. The Broncs shot 55% from the field in the first half and made four of their eight threes.Chicago State made 12 of their 26 first half field goal attempts (46%) in the first half.

With 17:00 to play in regulation, Donna Jackson hit a jumper to give UTPA a 12 point lead at 48-36. The Cougars responded with a 20-7 run and took their first lead of the second half at 56-55. The Broncs then scored the next six points and led 61-56 with 7:49 to play in the game. The Broncs would not hold the elad much longer.

Tressa Beckel and Waldon led the Cougars on a 13-3 run, including three Walson three-pointers. CSU led 71-64 with 5:56 remaining. The Broncs would pull back within three with 19 seconds left after a Donna Jackson lay-up, but would not get any closer. The Cougars outscored UTPA 57-37 in the final 20 minutes of play. The Broncs shot just 31% in the second half

Bianca Torre battled all night for UTPA and led with 19 points despite a poor shooting night (3/11) but she was perfect from the line (13/13). Ce'Monay Newell, added to her UTPA single-season record for three point makes with three more on Saturday, finishing with 13 points. Donna Jackson also added 13, with eight rebounds. Adanna Opara scored 11 with a team-high nine boards.

Waldon scored 26 to lead for the Cougars, while Beckel added 21 with a team high eight boards. Elana Wroten scored 17 points and Janay Dockery scored 11 with seven assists.

The Broncs continue their GWC schedule on Wednesday when they play host to Houston Baptist for a 5:30 PM tip-off.