This 'N That

Good win for the UCO women, tough loss for the UCO men on the road Thursday night at Incarnate Word as both teams opened Lone Star Conference crossover play.

Guy Hardaker knew entering the season that his freshmen-dominated women's team would lean heavily on their three veterans -- senior Ashley Beckley and juniors Alyssa Fuxa and Courtney Allen -- and that was definitely the case against the Cardinals.

That trio combined for 44 of UCO's 71 points in a 71-61 victory, led by Beckley's dominating 19-point, 12-rebound effort despite being limited to just 23 minutes by foul trouble. Fuxa and Allen both played virtually the entire contest, with Alyssa getting two minutes off and Courtney just one.

Beckley has been amazing in a 3-1 start, averaging 23.0 points and 10.0 rebounds as she continues to stamp herself as one of UCO's all-time greats. But it's the consistency of Fuxa and Allen that has been just as important, with that threesome providing the leadership and steadying influence the Bronchos need while the youngsters get their feet under them.

UCO's men, meanwhile, came up just short in their bid at an 8-0 start that would have been the best in school history with a frustrating 75-73 setback. It's the third time -- including the second in three years -- that a Broncho team has opened the season 7-0 only to lose the eighth game on the road.

Shooting woes doomed the No. 8-ranked Bronchos against a very solid UIW team that improved to 6-0. UCO was just 3-of-19 from beyond the 3-point arc -- clanking its final 15 attempts -- and missed 16 free throws, including four in the final 30 seconds.

Still, the Bronchos rallied from a 14-point first-half deficit to give themselves a chance down the stretch only to come up short. This is a very good UCO team that has a chance to do some special things this season. Dauntae Williams is a returning All-American who showed he's returning to form with a 32-point, eight-rebound outing against UIW, junior Brent Friday is playing at an extremely high level and there's plenty of talent on the roster.


UCO's long-time powerhouse wrestling team made its home debut Thursday with a 23-13 win over Colorado State-Pueblo, taking the last three matches to break a 13-13 tie.

It was a step forward for a young Broncho team still trying to find its way, with youthful inexperience and a host of nagging injuries having combined to keep UCO from making more progress in the opening month of the season.

Several youngsters stepped up with key wins against the Thunderwolves. Sophomore Austin Standage had a big second-period fall at 157, sophomore Tanner Keck prevailed 3-2 at 184 to give UCO the lead for good and freshman heavyweight Cody Dauphin pulled out a 2-1 upset over a ranked opponent in the final match of the night.

This is a team that will continue to experience growing pains throughout the season, but don't be surprised to see the Bronchos making a strong push for a high national tournament finish come March.