Jan. 22, 2005
The University of Texas - Pan American women's basketball team reached the .500 mark with a, 70-59, win Saturday (Jan. 22) over IPFW. The victory put UTPA even after 18 games for the first time in school history.
The Lady Broncs notched their first points of the game from the free throw line after Devin Reed (Indianapolis, IN/Cowley County C.C.) converted on two followed by MaHogany Daniel (Corpus Christi/Mary Carroll H.S.) who would also convert to tie the game, 4-4, at the 18:17 mark in the first half. The team would shoot 76.9 percent from the line in the first half and finished the game at 67.7 percent.
IFPW would take the lead by six, 14-8, mid way through the half and never give it up. UTPA would come within one at, 26-25, with 4:17 in the half, but the Mastodons would build it back to eight points with just under two minutes remaining before halftime. Reed would then convert on the front end of a one-and-one at the line and then miss the second, but recover the rebound and lay it up to take UTPA to within two points, 33-31, heading into intermission.
The Lady Broncs would finally take their first lead of the game after a three-point make from freshman, Kathy Guin (Guthrie OK/Guthrie H.S.), with 18:31 to play. The game would remain close throughout the half before UTPA would take control sparked by the inside play of Daniel. She would hit a jumper in the paint with 12:23 to play that would spark her team to take control of the game. Daniel would finish the night with a career-high 19 points, including 6-7 from the floor. She also converted on 7-of-11 baskets from the free throw line.
"MaHogany hit some huge baskets for us at really opportune times in the game. She played a pivotal role for us out there," stated head coach DeAnn Craft.
Another player who changed the pace of the game tonight was freshman guard Tiona Willson (Bradenton, FL/Southeast H.S.). She finished 2-3 from the floor, including one from downtown, and was a defensive distraction for IPFW.
"Tiona's defensive effort tonight was really what turned the game in our direction. She was able to force some turnovers and contest come shots which helped us advance the ball quicker and gain momentum offensively," commented Craft.
With 8:43 remaining, Dominique Montague (Gilbert, AZ/Central Arizona Co.) would hit from behind the arc to give the Lady Broncs the 49-44 lead. After IPFW's Ashley Johnson hit inside, the 'Dons would regain the lead by one, 50-49, with 3:53 to go. UTPA would then take the lead right back after Daniels would convert on a three-point play to take the lead 51-50.
The Lady Broncs would push the lead to six after Daniels finished again on the inside. Molly Schamel (Hector, NY/Yavapai College) and Wilson would both convert at the free throw line as time ran short for IPFW who moves to 2-15 on the season.
"This team really made us earn ever shot tonight. We really had to work the ball around to find openings because of their tempo on the defensive end. They also didn't give us very many second shots so we really had to shoot as well as we did to get this win," said Craft.
The team finished shooting 52.4 percent for the game, and 41.7 percent from behind the arc. Montague was 3-6 on the night from deep, finishing with nine points.
The Lady Broncs are currently 9-9 on the season and are hoping to move forward and surpass the 13 wins they recorded a season ago. The team will play its next match-up on the road against Longwood University on Jan. 28th.
UTPA Sports Information
