Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Weber State Outlasts Texas-Pan American, 61-54, At Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic
12/22/2008 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
UTPA continued WSU's downward spiral with an 11-2 scoring run to begin the second half making it a 22-3 run going back to the last five minutes of the first half, to tie the game at 31-31 with 16:38 remaining.
The Wildcats finally got thing moving upward from that point with a 24-9 scoring run taking a 55-40 lead with 6:31 left and appeared to have the game in control.
But the Broncs mounted another late half charge and a thunder dunk by UTPA's Emmanuel Jones culminated a 10-0 scoring over a three minute span and suddenly the Broncs were within five (55-50). UTPA had two possessions to go head but couldn't find the bottom of the basket.
Finally, with 1:28 left, WSU center STEVE PANOS made two free throws, then made one of two with 55 seconds left pushing the Wildcat lead back up to eight. NICK HANSEN then made three of four free throws in the last 24 seconds to keep the Broncs at bay.
"It wasn't a pretty game, but we hung there fighting tooth and nail," said WSU head coach Randy Rahe. "They were unbelievable on their offensive glass and we had a tough time matching their quickness. But we held them to just 28 percent shooting and made them use up a lot of energy down the stretch."
It marked the first time this season the Wildcats won with only three or less players in double figure scoring. PANOS had 13, while DAMIAN LILLARD and DAVIIN DAVIS each had 11. The Wildcats shot 51 percent from the field and held UTPA to just 17-60 (.283).
Weber State now faces Southern Mississippi on Tuesday, December 23 in a 7:30 p.m. (CST / 6:30 p.m. (MST) game. Texas-Pan American plays Spring Hill College prior to the WSU/USM contest.
