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For Immediate Release: November 16, 2001 EDINBURG, TX–Arkansas-Little Rock held the
University of Texas-Pan American’s women’s basketball team to 22.8
per cent from the field in the first half, grabbed a 36-24 halftime lead
and went on to a 71-52 victory in the first round of the Lady Bronc
Classic at the UTPA Fieldhouse Friday night. The Trojans utilized their inside strength, getting
13 points each in the first half from Alicia Cash and Roberta Sarti as
they led throughout the game. Junior center Julie Porter (Manchester,
MI/Manchester HS/Kalamazoo Valley JC) scored on a layup early in the
second half for the Lady Broncs, cutting UALR’s advantage to ten
points. But the Lady Trojans scored the next eight points and were never
headed. Senior forward Kelli Kreuser (Bettendorf,
IA/Davenport North HS/Truman State) made 6 of 13 shots from the field,
leading the Lady Broncs with 15 points. Porter made 5 of 7 shots from
the field and added 11 points. Junior forward Naima Williams (Houston,
TX/Clear Brook HS) added nine points, seven rebounds and four steals.
Cash had 29 for UALR, and Sarti added 17 as the Lady Trojans made 44 per
cent of their shots from the field in the second half, and 42.3 per cent
for the game. “We didn’t take enough quality shots,” said
UTPA Head Coach Karin Nicholls. “Our shot selection was not as good as
it needed to be, and we didn’t put our shooters in good enough
position to score. A good pass is a setup for a good shot. I thought we
played in spurts, and that’s because of our youth, a lot of times we
had three freshmen in the game. I thought Kelli Kreuser and Julie Porter
played well for us.” The Lady Broncs dropped to 0-1 with the defeat,
while the Lady Trojans improved to 1-0. Montana defeated Southeast
Missouri State in the first game, 78-63. UTPA will play the Otahkians
for third place Saturday at 4:00 p.m. while Montana and UALR meet for
the championship at 6:00. WBBUALR1116011 |