Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Contact: UTPA Sports Information Office, 956.381.2240

UTPA Athletic Department Announces 2001-02 Men’s Basketball Schedule

EDINBURG, TX – The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the upcoming 2001-02 men’s basketball schedule.  This year’s schedule includes 14 home contests at the UTPA Fieldhouse where the Broncs posted a stellar 9-2 mark last season.  In addition, the Bronc squad will be traveling to Puerto Rico in December to take part in the prestigious San Juan Shootout. The Broncs will also embark on a challenging road schedule that features a match against the University of Texas-Austin Longhorns.

The Boncs will open the 2001-02 season with an exhibition against Monterrey Tech on November 5^th at 7:30 p.m. in the UTPA Fieldhouse.  Almost 2 weeks later, on November 17 at 8:00 p.m., the Broncs will open their regular season with a home contest against Sul Ross State University.  During the 2001-02 schedule, the Broncs will host Southwest Texas State, Lamar, Middle Tennessee State, U.S. Air Force Academy, New Mexico State and regional rival Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

“We feel our home schedule this season will be one of the best in the history of the Bronc program.  With the culmination of the UTPA Fieldhouse and the local fans we feel like we can compete with anyone on our home court. We look forward to the opportunity of providing exciting basketball for our fans at home this season,” said third year Head Coach, Bob Hoffman.

Once again, the Broncs will face a challenging road schedule featuring games against Northern Iowa, Minnesota of the Big Ten, Portland, Pac-10 representative Washington State, WAC member Rice, Wright State and, as previously mentioned, Big 12 power Texas.  While participating in the San Juan Shootout, UTPA will face the likes of Niagara University, Baylor, Florida International, Oral Roberts, Jacksonville, Coppin State and Puerto Rico Mayaguez.

“We are sure to be tested from shore to shore playing several major NCAA opponents on the road this upcoming season.  We came very close last year to beating some of the better teams in the country on the road and believe we will be right there again this year,” said Hoffman.  “The San Juan Shootout is an opportunity for our team to compete in an 8-team tournament format where we will have the opportunity to play several different teams at a neutral location.”

The Broncs are coming off a successful season in which Hoffman and his team posted 12 wins, tying their win total from last season and the best back-to-back seasons since 1993-94 and 1994-95 where the Broncs won 16 and 14 games respectively.  The team has lost two-time NCAA 3-point shooting champion, Brian Merriweather along with 2 year starters Kwasinda Curtis, John Braxton and Kyle Sanders.  However, Hoffman is excited with the combination of newcomers and returnees who are ready to step up to the challenge of moving the Bronc program forward. 

“We feel the nucleus we have returning coupled with the newcomers gives us a great blend of talent.  I feel that one of our strengths this year will be our tough-mindedness and our ability to stay together, both mentally and physically, in the close games,” said Hoffman.  “My staff and I appreciate the continued fan support and encourage those of you who have not enjoyed a Bronc basketball game to come and check us out”.      

Once again Bronc season tickets will be a hot item.  For more information on season ticket packages and prices, call the UTPA Athletic Department Ticket Office at (956) 381-2221.

2001 Schedule