May 18, 2007

University of Texas-Pan American point guard Paul Stoll (Lansing, MI/Lansing C.C.) saw his first action with the Sports Reach basketball team when he faced Xia Jing Tigers in a two-game series in China on Friday (May 18).

The first scheduled games for the Reach USA Crusaders were unconventional to say the least. After a one and a half hour flight to Xia Jing, the squad had to endure a five hour bus ride to the hotel which included the bus having mechanical problems which added an extra 45 minutes to ride. Finally reaching its destination at 6:00 p.m., Reach USA had to get set for a game slated for 8:00 p.m. against the Xia Jing Tigers - members of the CBA Top Division.

In game one, the Crusaders handed the Tigers a 74-60 setback as Stoll added five points coming off the bench. In his first taste of international play, Stoll went 2-for-6 from the field, including 1-for-5 from behind the arc to go along with four rebounds, five assists and three steals in the victory.

After having one game under its belt, Reach USA shook out the opening game jitters and exploded in game two with a 94-62 drumming of Xia Jing. Making his first start for the Crusaders, Stoll had the second-highest point total on the squad with 15 points. The UTPA senior put on a deep-range shooting clinic as he went 5-for-7 from the field, including 5-for-6 from behind the arc while recording a team high four steals in the contest.

For more information on the progress of Stoll, check back to www.utpabroncs.com as information will be released upon the completion of each contest.

UTPA Sports Information