BASKETBALL SEASON ENDS AS NIT FIELD IS SELECTED

EDINBURG, TX–The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team will play no more games this season.

The Broncs’ hopes for continuing play ended when the National Invitational Tournament announced its 40-team field Sunday night, and UTPA was not among the field.

The Broncs finished the season with a 20-10 record. They posted their highest victory total since the 1989-90 season, won more games than they lost for the first time since the 1993-94 season, won more games at home than they had in nine years (12),  and were champions of the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico during the holidays.

”Our men’s basketball program just completed one of the finest seasons in our history,” said UTPA Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. “It was a remarkable and truly special season that will be remembered by all who follow Bronc athletics for many years to come. We are very proud of all the efforts of (Head) Coach (Bob) Hoffman, his staff, and the outstanding young men who played such a key role in the rebirth of Bronc basketball.”

Weidner was appreciative of the fact that UTPA was considered by the NIT. “The successful efforts of our men’s basketball team created an opportunity in which we received serious consideration from the NIT Selection Committee for a potential berth in the NIT Tournament,” Weidner said. “We appreciate the consideration given to UTPA by the members of the committee during their deliberations. I am hopeful that the experience our program has gained in receiving a serious review by the NIT Selection Committee will bode well in regards to future consideration for post-season as well as for pre-season NIT opportunities.”  

”We’re disappointed that we weren’t selected, but it was just one of those situations,” said Hoffman. “We’re happy with all the things the guys were able to get done. All in all, it was a great year. When you win as many games as we did, you can’t help but be happy with that.”

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