For Immediate Release: December 7, 2001
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS FALL AT IOWA, 86-38

IOWA CITY, IA-Iowa jumped out to an early lead and defeated the University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team, 86-38, in a first-round game at the Gazette-Hawkeye Challenge at Carver-Hawkeye Arena Friday night.

The Hawkeyes led by 20 points, 37-17, with six and a half minutes left in the first half. Iowa increased its lead to 54-21 at halftime, making 15 of 31 shots from the field in the first half, for 48.4 per cent. The Lady Broncs made 29.2 per cent in the first half, 7 of 24. 

“We played good defense early, not like we did in the last game (loss to Colorado), “ said Iowa Assistant Coach Michael Morgan. “We emphasized playing defense, and getting off to a good start so we could let the reserves get into the game.”

Iowa finished making 45 per cent of their shots from the field, while UTPA made 24 per cent. The Hawkeyes won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the Lady Broncs, 49-27.

Freshman guard Anette Johansen (Oslo, Norway/Foss Videregaende HS) led UTPA with 10 points, and added six steals and five rebounds, leading UTPA in each category. Junior forward Naima Williams (Houston, TX/Clear Brook HS) added eight points, and freshman guard Jennifer Piwonka (Louise, TX/Louise HS) added seven.

Five Hawkeyes scored in double figures. Lindsay Meder led the way with 16 points, Jennie Lillis had 14, Beatrice Bullock had 11, and Jerica Watrson and Jenna Armstorng had 10 apiece.

The Lady Broncs fell to 1-7 with the defeat, while Iowa improved to 5-2. UTPA will play Alabama-Birmingham, a 74-59 loser to Kent State in Friday night’s opening game, in the third place game at 5:30 Saturday night. Iowa will play Kent State for the championship.

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