UTPA HOSTS LAMAR WEDNESDAY
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's men's basketball team will try to string together a three-game winning streak for the first time this season when they host Lamar Wednesday evening. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

The Broncs are 7-13, and are coming off back-to-back victories against Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne and Alcorn State, the latter a 74-52 decision at the UTPA Fieldhouse Monday evening in which Texas-Pan American enjoyed a 40-18 advantage in the second half. "Defense leads to offense, and it certainly did for us," said UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman. "We got out and guarded people, made our shots, and got some separation."

The Broncs steadily increased their lead until they led by 22 points, 72-50, with 2:02 remaining. They made 61.9 per cent of their field goals in the second half and outscored the Braves after intermission, 40-18.

Lamar is 8-11, and is coming off an 83-72 victory over Texas-Arlington January 31st that broke a five-game losing streak. LU started off quickly, winning their first four games and six of their first seven under Head Coach Billy Tubbs, who took Oklahoma to within a game of the national championship and ranks 10th in wins among active collegiate basketball coaches. He is the 28th head coach in NCAA Division I history to record as many as 600 career wins, and he ranks ninth among Division I coaches in games coached, having passed the 900 mark.

"Lamar will be a tough game," said Hoffman. "They've got a good team, they've done well in their conference, and, they have a Hall of Fame coach in Billy Tubbs," said Hoffman. "It should be a great game, and we hope to have a good crowd like we did the other night."

After Wednesday night's game, the Broncs will return to action when they visit IPFW Saturday.

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