For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Contact: Adam Pitterman, UTPA Assistant Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS SET TO HOST INCARNATE WORD

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's women's basketball will look to continue their strong play in the second semester when they host Incarnate Word Tuesday evening. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

The Crusaders come into Tuesday's game with a record of 15-9, but are 3-4 on the road. Saturday, UIW defeated Oklahoma Panhandle State, 74-50. "They'll throw a couple of different defenses at you," said Interim Head Coach Tracy Anderson. "They're a big team, and have some big guards."

The Lady Broncs are 5-21, but have posted a 3-4 record at home in the spring semester. Last Thursday, UTPA dropped a 66-65 decision to Lipscomb.

Offensively, the improvement of junior guard Amanda Carlow (Pine Ridge, SD/Rapid City CHS/Northeast JC) and sophomore forward Jennifer Arriola (Rio Rico, AZ/Rio Rico HS) have been keys to the Lady Broncs' second-half success. Carlow has averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the past two games, while dishing out 13 assists and grabbing two steals. During that span, Arriola has averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and has connected on 73.3 percent of her field goal attempts

"Amanda has done a great job directing the offense," said Anderson. "She creates offensive opportunities for us."

At home this semester, Texas-Pan American has outscored the opposition 60.7-59.6 points per game, outrebounded opponents by 5.7 boards per game, and shot 42.6 percent from the field, while allowing opponents to make just 36.7 percent of their shots. Senior center Naima Williams (Houston, TX/Clear Brook HS) leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.4 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game. UTPA career scoring leader Alex Gravel (Chicoutimi, Quebec/Vanier HS) averages 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and is hitting 40 percent of her three point attempts at home this semester. Senior forward Julie Porter (Manchester, MI/Manchester HS/Kalamazoo Valley JC) has led the Lady Broncs with 6.9 boards per game.

"Offensively, we've been executing really well and getting open looks," said Anderson. "We've gotten balance between our guards and post. Our post players will need to give us some offensive punch."

Incarnate Word has outscored their opponents 60.0-58.8, and has held a 10.1 rebound per game advantage over their opposition. The Crusaders have two players scoring in double figures, led by point guard Amy Mueller's 15.6 points per game. Mueller is shooting 43 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range, and leads the team with 63 assists. Michelle Viverette averages 11.2 points, and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game.

""They've got a great point guard in Mueller," said Anderson. "She's a big guard, which poses match up problems. Everything runs through her. Viverette is a good post player. They're shooting the ball well, and have two big guns. We have to make them rely on other players."

The Lady Broncs return to action on Saturday, when they conclude their season at home against Centenary on Senior Day. Tip-off will be at 1:00 p.m.

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