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For Immediate Release: November 29, 2001 CEDAR
FALLS, IA–The fifth time wasn’t the charm for the University of
Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team. The Broncs lost for the first
time in five games this season, falling to host Northern Iowa
Thursday night, 74-66, at the Panthers’ West Gym. UTPA trailed for most of the
first half. But senior guard Mire Chatman (South Garland, TX/Garland
HS/Southwestern Christian JC) connected on a three-pointer with 6:46
remaining in the first half to put the Broncs ahead, 19-18. The Broncs
led by as many as five points, and ended the first half with a 31-30
advantage. The Panthers seized the
momentum in the second half, scoring eight of the first ten points after
intermission to take a lead that they would not relinquish. Chris
Foster’s jumper put UNI ahead, then David Gruber hit three consecutive
baskets that left the Panthers ahead, 38-33. Northern Iowa eventually
stretched its advantage to 12 points, 58-46, with 8:19 to play. A dunk
by Chatman following a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Nick
Traylor (Oklahoma City, OK/Putnam City HS/Northwestern Oklahoma State
University) cut the lead to seven points, 60-53, with 6:49 left. Junior
forward Jon Nubine (Oklahoma City, OK/Putnam City North HS/Carl Albert
JC) banked in a three-pointer in the final minute to cut the lead to
seven once again, but the Broncs couldn’t get over the top, and UNI
made seven free throws in the final twelve seconds to account for the
final score. “I thought our guys battled
very hard,” said UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman. “It was a very
physical game. Every column was equal except for the free throw column.
We just weren’t able to get to the free throw line as much as we
needed to. We didn’t get the shots we needed to, and we have to go
back and get stronger with the ball. Northern Iowa is a very good team,
they’ve improved so much since last year it’s not even funny.
We’ve improved as well. We just weren’t able to make enough plays
down the stretch. Possessions become even more important on the road.” Chatman led all scorers with 25
points. He added five rebounds and five steals. Senior forward Marcus
Quinn (Midwest City, OK/Choctaw HS/Eastern Oklahoma State) added 10
points and 10 rebounds for the Broncs. UNI had four people in double
figures, led by Robbie Sieverding with 22 points. Gruber added 20,
Foster 16 and Aaron Middendorf added 12. Middendorf had 12 rebounds to
pace UNI, as each team grabbed 37 boards. Each team also scored 55
points from the field, but the Panthers made 19 of 30 free throw
attempts to the Broncs' 11 of 13. UTPA fell to 4-1 with the
defeat, while UNI improved to 4-1. The Broncs will visit Minnesota
Saturday afternoon. “Minnesota is a great
team,” said Hoffman. “Coach (Dan) Monson does a great job with them.
They’ll be bigger than Northern Iowa, and we’ll have to use our
athleticism and execute better.” After
Saturday’s game, UTPA will hit the road again, visiting Portland and
Washington State next week. MBBUNI112901 |