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EDINBURG, TX -- In the men's season home opener, the Broncs (0-1) suffered an 80-62 setback to Louisiana Tech (1-0) this Saturday (Nov. 14) afternoon at the UTPA Fieldhouse.

"Compared to a week ago, where the guys didn't play particularly well in our exhibition game, the guys have made a vast improvement in their play; we have to look at our learning curve as a team," said head men's basketball coach Ryan Marks.

"The guys found their stride (in the first half) and were assertive in getting the ball inside as the game went on. Our foul trouble made our guys tentative and that is something we need to address."

What seemed like an easy ride for the Bulldogs in the first half, turned out to be the complete opposite as the Broncs rallied from a 12-point deficit at the 10:15 mark and came back to lead by one on a jumper by Julius Hearn at the 4:28 mark.

The remainder of the half resulted in two ties and four lead changes for both teams. After the Broncs tied the game for the second time (32-32) at the 2:45 mark on a free throw shot by Jacob Trader, UTPA then took the lead, but was taken back after LA Tech scored two. UTPA trailed by three at the half.

The second half was a much different story for the Broncs as the closest they came to the Bulldogs was five at the opening shot as LA Tech scored two.

UTPA finished with two Broncs in double-digit points with Jared Maree and Luis Valera with 10 points each. Maree finished 2-for-5 from the field, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the line. He also added three rebounds and one assist. 

Junior Nick Weiermiller added eight points for the Broncs, along with two rebounds and four assists. UTPA finished shooting 43 percent from the field, 25 percent from beyond the arc, and 71 percent from the line.

LA Tech finished with four Bulldogs in double-digit points with Olu Ashaolu with a game-high 18 points. Ashaolu recorded 12 boards, three assists, and two steals. LA Tech shot 62 percent from the field, 29 from three-point range, and 67 percent from the line.

UTPA hits the road as they travel to Beaumont, Texas to face the Lamar Cardinals this Monday, Nov. 16. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m