For Immediate Release: Friday, 21 November 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director (956) 381-2240

BRONCS OPEN AGAINST SMU AT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

EDINBURG, TX-For the second year in a row, The University of Texas-Pan American's men's basketball team will begin their season at their home away from home when they play Southern Methodist Saturday evening. The game is scheduled for the Broncs' beach house, the South Padre Island Convention Center at 7:00 p.m.

With three of their first four games at home and the other at South Padre Island, the Broncs are looking to get off to a good start. "You always like to stay undefeated as long as you can, and since it's our first game, it's really important for us to have a good showing," said Hoffman. "If we can get out of there with a win, it will be a great thing for our team and for our program."

The Broncs have six newcomers among their 13 players this season. They went 10-20 last year, and won both of their exhibition games earlier this month, defeating Monterrey Tech and Houston Quest.

The Mustangs won both of their exhibitions, defeating Inter Hoops and EA Sports. SMU returns four starters from a team that went 17-13 last year, losing to Fresno State in the second round of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

"SMU has good athletes, they'll be well-schooled in fundamentals, and Mike Dement is one of the best coaches in the country," said Hoffman. "We'll have to do a good job of containing their ball handling, and keep them from getting to the rim and to the boards."

With a deep roster and good team speed, the Broncs will run, and the Mustangs won't try to dissuade them. "SMU will run, and they'll play up-tempo," said Hoffman. "They do a good job of executing their offense, so it will be important for us to play good defense."

The Broncs open at home Tuesday evening against Texas A&M International. Game time is 7:30 p.m. following the Lady Broncs' game against the DustDevils.

MBB-08-04112103