March 8, 2008

Leading 47-39 with 6 minutes and 24 seconds left to play, the University of The University of Texas-Pan American Lady Broncs watched their championship dream evaporate Friday night when they suffered a 59-49 setback to New Jersey Tech.

The Highlanders stunned the Lady Broncs by scoring the final 20 points to defeat the Lady Broncs for the third time this season.

Robin Garrett's 20 points had put UTPA those eight points ahead, until a barrage of three-pointers and free throws shattered their dream of winning the National Independent Showcase Tournament on their home court.

Jessica Gerald scored 20 points and Jill Dickinson 16 for winners of the wild turnaround. New Jersey made 18 free throws, compared to UTPA's 10 and also out-rebounded them 59-49.

The abrupt turnaround, after the Lady Broncs had upset top-seeded Utah Valley the night before, left the crowd silent at the finish, as shell shocked as the team.

Chicago State and UTPA will play a consolation final game at 8 p.m. Sunday. The championship game will pit Florida Gulf Cost and New Jersey, in 3:30 and 6:30 games in the UTPA Field House.

UTPA Sports Information