For Immediate Release: Saturday, January 18, 2003
Contact: Adam Pitterman, UTPA Assistant Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS FALL AT NEW MEXICO STATE

LAS CRUCES, NM-New Mexico State made 11 three-point field goals and defeated The University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball team, 77-42, at the Pan American Center Saturday evening. The Aggies improved to 9-7 with the win, and have won seven of their last eight games. Texas-Pan American fell to 2-14 with the loss.

"New Mexico State played excellent tonight," said UTPA Interim Head Coach Tracy Anderson. "They shot well and played well defensively, and forced some turnovers."

Trailing 45-25 with 19:10 remaining in the contest, the Lady Broncs went on a 6-2 run, converting on jump shots by seniors Alex Gravel (Chicoutimi, Quebec/Vanier HS), Julie Porter (Manchester, MI/Manchester HS/Kalamazoo Valley JC), and Naima Williams (Houston, TX/Clear Brook HS) to trim the margin to 16 points, but could come no closer as NMSU outscored Texas-Pan American 30-11 over the final 16:49 to pull away for the win.

The Aggies scored the first six points of the game, and took a 13-6 lead on the strength of three-point baskets by Jenean Ford, Sinnamonn Garrett, and Jenia Dimitrova. Senior guard Mary DeCock (Lamberton, MN/Red Rock Central HS/Northeast CC) hit a three-pointer of her own to cut the deficit to 13-9, but NMSU went on a 24-3 run to seize a 37-12 lead with five minutes remaining in the half.

DeCock led UTPA on an 11-2 run, with five points, and Porter capped the run by hitting a jumper with 1:10 remaining to pull the Lady Broncs to within 39-23. The Aggies took a 43-25 advantage into halftime.

New Mexico State outrebounded UT Pan American 49-37. The Lady Broncs have been outrebounded four times this season, with the last time coming December 17th against Baylor. NMSU outshot Texas-Pan American 44.8 to 32.8 percent, and 34.4 to 16.7 percent from outside the three point line. "They were very athletic from the perimeter," said Anderson. "We had trouble defending them in transition and on the boards. They finished with 20 offensive rebounds."

Porter led UTPA with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Williams had nine points and seven rebounds. DeCock chipped in eight points. Dimitrova paced the Aggies with 16 points, while Mari Sanchez scored 14. Garrett and Ford had 10 points apiece.

The Lady Broncs will return to action Tuesday evening, when they visit Arkansas State. Tip-off will be at 7:05 p.m. "Arkansas State is very similar to New Mexico State," said Anderson. "We need to learn from this game and try to turn things around a little."

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