Jan. 14, 2010
Three Broncs in double-figures led the way for the UTPA men's basketball team as the Broncs defeated the Highlanders 66-53 this Thursday (Jan. 14) evening at the UTPA Fieldhouse.
The win improves the Broncs to 2-16 for the season and 1-0 in Great West Conference play, while the Highlanders drop to 5-12 for the season and 0-1 in conference play.
Aaron Urbanus and Matt Mierzycki each scored a team-high 13 points with Luis Valera adding 10 points for the Broncs. Valera was two rebounds shy of his first double-double of the season as he also grabbed eight boards.
Urbanus' 13 points all came in the second half along with his two steals and two rebounds.
The Broncs bench showed up in the first half as they scored 13 of UTPA's 26 points. Both ball clubs showed their competitive side as the first half consisted of seven ties and five lead changes.
UTPA found themselves trailing in the first half, but closed up the six point lead the Highlanders held at the 11:36 mark as the Broncs tied the score at 15 on a layup by Jacob Trader with 7:40 left in regulation.
The remainder of the half flipped-flopped between the two teams, but ended with the Highlanders leading by one at the half. Rico Seagears knocked down a three to bring the Broncs within one.
The Broncs were quick to gain a lead in the second as Nick Weiermiller scored three at the 18:54 mark. The Highlanders were able to tie the score, but the Broncs held on strong to capture their second win of the season.
As a team, the Broncs shot 42 percent (19-45) from the field, including 25 percent (4-16) from three-point range and 77 percent (24-31) from the free throw line.
Chris Flores was the Highlanders leading scorer with 16 points. Flores also grabbed four rebounds and collected two assists and one steal.
Up next for the Broncs is a match up with the Chicago State Cougars on Jan. 16 at the UTPA Fieldhouse with tip-off slated for 4:30 p.m.
UTPA Sports Information
