For Immediate Release: Saturday, February 08, 2003
Contact: Adam Pitterman, UTPA Assistant Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS FALL TO LADY ISLANDERS, GRAVEL BREAKS RECORD

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX- Senior guard Alex Gravel's (Chicoutimi, Quebec/Vanier HS) 19-point outburst broke The University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball team's all-time scoring record, but the Lady Broncs dropped a 66-54 decision to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at the Memorial Coliseum Saturday.

With the loss, Texas-Pan American fell to 4-19, while TAMU-CC improved to 12-11 and 9-1 at home.

Gravel hit a three-pointer with 27 seconds remaining in the contest, to move into first place on the career scoring list with 1,141 points. Becky Dube was the previous record-holder, concluding her career with 1,140 points in 1986.

UT Pan American held a nine-point lead with 10:52 remaining in the second half, but the Islanders used a 16-2 run over the next six minutes to take a five point lead. The Lady Broncs held a 29-25 lead at the intermission.

UTPA was outshot 40.7-40.5 percent, and lost the turnover battle, committing 29 to TAMUCC's 15. Each team had 33 rebounds, but TAMU-CC held a 12-8 advantage on the offensive glass.

"They played a stingy man-to-man defense and forced 29 turnovers," said UTPA Interim Head Coach Tracy Anderson. "When they get 17 more shots than you, it makes the game more difficult."

Gravel led Texas-Pan American with 19 points, two assists, and two steals. Senior forward Naima Williams (Houston, TX/Clear Brook HS) scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds, while sophomore guard Jennifer Piwonka (Louise, TX/Louise HS) scored seven points and added seven rebounds. Kristin Rogers paced the Lady Islanders with 16 points, while Terra Andrews had 13 points and five rebounds. Roberta Plaza scored 10 points, and grabbed six rebounds.

"Amanda (Carlow, Jr., G, Pine Ridge, SD/Rapid City CHS/Northeast JC) had a good floor game and only turned the ball over once," said Anderson. "Alex and Naima also played well offensively."

The Lady Broncs return to action Thursday evening, when they travel to Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne.

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