For Immediate Release: November 17, 2001

Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS DEFEAT SUL ROSS STATE, 99-60

EDINBURG, TX–The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team made 55.9 per cent of its shots from the field in the first half, took a 56-26 halftime lead, and went on to a 99-60 victory over Sul Ross State in the Broncs’ 2001-2002 season opener at the UTPA Fieldhouse Saturday night.

Leading 18-10, UTPA outscored the Lobos, 33-10 during a span of eleven minutes in thje latter stages of the first half to break the game open. Sophomore guard Nick Traylor (Oklahoma City, OK/Putnam City HS/Northwestern Oklahoma State) and junior guard Tomas Sitnikovas (Panevezys, Lithuania/Panevezys HS #5/Mid-Plains CC) ignited the run with three-pointers, then senior forward DeFrance Gurley (Cairo, GA/Cairo HS/Southern Union State CC) extended the lead with a dunk. Senior guard Mire Chatman (Garland, TX/South Garland HAS/Southwestern Christian JC) added a free throw, a three-pointer and a dunk, and UTPA was off and running.

Chatman had 18 points, six steals and three assists during the first half, making seven of 12 shots from the field. He finished with 33 points in 28 minutes of action to lead all scorers, and added six assists and eight steals. Senior forward Marcus Quinn (Midwest City, OK/Choctaw HS/Eastern Oklahoma State) added 15 points, making six of seven shots from the field in 19 minutes of action. The Broncs had 20 steals and forced 34 turnovers, with senior forward Joey Tate (San Antonio, TX/Taft HS/Temple JC) and junior guard Kevin Mitchell (Copperas Cove, TX/Copperas Cove HS/McLennan CC) adding three steals apiece. The Broncs had 28 assists, with 13 of the 17 players who saw action picking up at least one assist.

Jorge Quintero, Larry Morales and Robert Dockins each scored 13 points to lead the Lobos, while Rockland Owens added 10.

“This was a good team game for us, we played well and we played together,” said UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman. “I thought we were hitting on all cylinders, and we played with intensity and enthusiasm. Mire had a lot of points, and I think guys were looking for him. Right now, we’re pretty deep, and we have a lot of weapons.”

The Broncs improved to 1-0 with the victory, while Sul Ross State fell to 0-2. UTPA will return to action when they host Southwest Texas State Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

MBBSULROSS-11-17-01