Marks' former team hands UTPA exhibition loss

EDINBURG – As great as it was for Ryan Marks to see his former team, it only served as a reminder of what could be a long season for the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team.

St. Edwards University, a team Marks turned into a competitive Division II program before he took over at UTPA, defeated the Broncs 84-72 on Saturday at the Field House.

The game was only an exhibition but a 12-point loss to a D-II team no matter how good it is a freighting thought considering UTPA’s brutal schedule that includes Top 10 D-I foes.

Marks, though, doesn’t necessarily see the loss as an indication of the team’s future. He said the contest was about preparation for the regular season

“The outcome of the game really doesn’t concern me at all,” Marks said. “Where we are with some of our defensive principals concerns me a little bit more. … Even with the way we have practiced the last two days, I think we can and will play substantially better. I think that will be coming. I hope that the second half (of the game) will help springboard us into the second exhibition Monday.”

Marks watched his former team get hot from the field early and then maintain the shooting touch throughout.

The Hilltoppers shot 61.5 percent for the game and 56 percent from 3-point range

At times, especially in the first half, it seemed as if nothing was going to cool the Hilltoppers. No matter with a hand in their face or falling down, the shots kept dropping for the visitors.

Even more impressive was that the Hilltoppers’ offense changed with new coach Andre Cook, who was more than pleased that his team committed only 12 turnovers while shooting the percentage it did.

All this as his team had to fight through the emotions of playing their former coach.

“I told the team, ‘We just want to play,” Cook said. “I know there was a lot surrounding the game but we needed to find where we are at. I knew it would be emotional when they seen coach Marks but when the ball goes up we needed to focus on the game.”

FREE THROWS: UTPA plays host to Texas A&M-International on Monday in the Broncs’ final exhibition game. …Luis Valera led the Broncs with 17 points and 11 rebounds. … The Hilltoppers’ Patrick Barnes led all scorers with 18.

Peter Rasmussen covers UTPA athletics for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.