Broncs looking to turn shooting woes around

EDINBURG -- As bad as the University of Texas-Pan American's 16-for-55 performance from the field was Friday against the University of Texas-El Paso was, the Broncs have had a worse shooting performance.

The Broncs (4-9) only have to go back one game to find an even poorer field goal percentage. UTPA was 17-for-60 against Weber State two weeks ago.

Yes, during the last two games the Broncs have made only 33 of 115 shots. Broncs coach Tom Schuberth would rather not have that stat line repeated too many times.

"We try not to talk about it too much," the Broncs coach said. "Sometimes when you don't talk about it too much, these things have a way of working themselves out."

The Broncs are hoping consecutive games at home for the first time this season will help them find their shooting touch.

UTPA plays host to Huston-Tillotson and the University of Texas-Arlington on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, at the UTPA Field House. Both games start at 7 p.m.

The last time the Broncs played at home Dec. 18 against the University of Texas-San Antonio, they shot 53.8 percent. On the season, UTPA is shooting 43 percent.

Schuberth said for the most part he was pleased with his team's shot selection, but that the shots are just not falling for the Broncs.

"I think in the last game it was a combination of (cold shooting) and UTEP playing good defense," Schuberth said. "We are going to put an emphasis on it in practice. No one misses on purpose. I think we have been getting some good looks at the basket. With the lack of depth we have, sometimes fatigue sets in."

Broncs point guard Nick Weiermiller said some of the problems the team had in its last game against UTEP was the Miners' defense.

"UTEP really gets out there and puts a lot of pressure on you the whole game," Weiermiller said. "We have been struggling shooting the ball. We are going to keep shooting and get better."

Weiermiller and the Broncs have played in only two home games this season. Under Schuberth the Field House has been kind to the Broncs, who are 19-5 at home over the last 2 1/2 years.

"It feels good to be home," Weiermiller said. "We don't get to play here much, so we never want to lose here."

Peter Rasmussen covers UTPA athletics for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448. For this and more local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.