For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 9, 2002
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS HOST CENTENARY

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team will close out a stretch of five consecutive home games when they host Centenary Thursday evening at the UTPA Fieldhouse. The game is the first game of a doubleheader and begins at 6:00 p.m. prior to the men’s game against Air Force.

The Lady Broncs enter the game with a 4-12 record, the same as Centenary. UTPA has been beset by injuries, but hopes to have seven or eight players available for the game.

“It’s been difficult, we’ve only been able to practice with six players,” said UTPA Head Coach Karin Nicholls. “We’ve been working on the things we need to work on, and we’ve been doing a great job, doing what we need to do. It’s nice to have games at home, and if we can play through the things that have been thrown our way, we can be proud of our effort.”

The Ladies’ victory against Wiley College in their opener was their first victory after 55 consecutive defeats in two seasons. Centenary won four of its first five games, but has dropped 11 in a row.

“Centenary is much more athletic than they’ve been,” said Nicholls. “They’re a much better-coached team. Someone will come out of this game 5-12. We want to do a better job of protecting our home floor. If we put our best effort on the floor, and execute our game plan, we should come out on top.”

After Thursday’s game, UTPA will travel to Louisiana-Lafayette for a Monday night matchup.

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