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SAN MARCOS, TX -- Junior Ce’Monay Newell got UTPA (6-6) off to a strong start this afternoon with two three-point shots to take control of the contest. Ashley Ezah knocked down a couple of baskets for the Bobcats, but a shot from Donna Jackson and another from Adanna Opara gave the Broncs a 10-5 advantage. Ezah responded with another jumper, but three consecutive shots from downtown, one from Newell and two from Torre, for a 19-7 lead.

The Bobcats’ Verinus Kalu and Diamond Ford both knocked down shots to keep Texas State in the game, but Torre was able to connect on several shots and helped the Broncs move ahead 30-18. India Johnson responded a layup for the Bobcats, but LaQuita Garner sunk a three to keep the Broncs ahead 33-20 with 10:04 left in the first half.  

With only a few minutes left in the first half, Ford and Demi Clinch were able to connect several times for Texas State, but the Broncs still held the lead 46-45 at the half.

Torre nailed a three to open the second half of the game, but a jumper from Kelsey Krupa and a layup from Johnson tied the game at 49. Torre answered with another three, followed by a trey from Newell to put the Broncs up by six points, 55-49.

Texas State remained close to the Broncs, getting within one point of UTPA on several occasions, but with 7:45 left in the game, the Broncs were able to reach an eight point advantage, 68-60 on a jumper from Newell. Following shots from Opara and Jackson, a three from Newell helped the Broncs get ahead 77-66.

Ford and Krupa fought back for the Bobcats in the final minutes of the game, but Texas State was not able to escape the Broncs. UTPA won its second consecutive game 83-76.

In addition to Torre’s career-high 34 points, the Broncs were led by Newell posted 22 points.

The Broncs will be back in action at home Tuesday when they host the Texas A & M-International Dust Devils. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse.