Hilltoppers use outside shooting to upset Division I UT-Pan American
EDINBURG, Texas - The St. Edward's men's basketball torched the nets at a 62 percent clip to defeat UT-Pan American and former SEU head coach Ryan Marks, 84-72, Saturday evening at the UTPA Field House.
St. Edward's used the first six minutes to establish a 16-9 lead on the strength of treys from seniors Jannik Zimmer and Bobby Watkins, along with four points from senior Reggie Shanks.
After a three-pointer from UT-Pan American's Nick Weiermiller cut the lead to 27-21, with 7:34 reamining in the opening period, the Hilltoppers raced out on a 13-8 run to end the half.
Shanks had the hot hand with nine points and the St. Edward's shot a blistering 67 percent from the floor, while holding the Broncos to 41 percent shooting on its way to a 40-29 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Broncos opened with a 9-4 run led by Jared Maree's seven points to cut the lead to 46-40, with 16:23 remaining in the game.
The Hilltoppers responded with an 8-2 run over the next three minutes to increase the lead to 54-42, with 13:16 on the clock.
UT-Pan American would only get as close as eight points the rest of the way.
Sophomore Patrick Barnes led the Hilltoppers with 18 points, followed by junior Jeff Miner with 14 points, Zimmer with 13 points, and Shanks with 11 points. Watkins had a game-high eight assists
St. Edward's will be back in action when it opens the 2009-10 regular season Sunday, November 15th when they host the St. Edward's Shootout. The Hilltoppers will take on Texas A&M-Commerce. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. and play-by-play will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.