For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 7, 2002
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

UTPA MEN OPEN AGAINST MONTERREY TECH

EDINBURG, TX-After practicing for nearly a month, The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball team will take the court to face an opponent for the first time this season when they host Monterrey Tech in an exhibition game Saturday evening. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

The Broncs are ready to face another team. "We're excited about the opportunity to play against someone other than ourselves," said UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman. "We've had some injuries, but we're ready for some outside competition, in order to see where we stand in our preparation for the season."

Texas-Pan American defeated Monterrey Tech in their exhibition opener last season. However, the Broncs have several newcomers, and won't take their opponents lightly.

"Monterrey Tech will be a physical team," said Hoffman. "We've played them before, and they do a great job of being organized. They play great man-to-man defense, so we have to be ready."

Hoffman will try to utilize everyone on his 15-player roster while assessing his team's strengths and weaknesses. "Everyone is working hard, and we have a real good balance between our new players and our returning players," said Hoffman. "It's important to be able to use these two exhibition games to see what we need to do to get ready as a team."

UT Pan American will host Houston Quest in another exhibition game next weekend.

MBB-05-03 110702