UTEP Miners

game notes in pdf format

THE OPENING TIP

The UTEP women's basketball team (4-13, 1-3 C-USA) will wrap up its mini two-game homestand by locking up with league-leading Middle Tennessee (14-4, 5-0 C-USA) at the Don Haskins Center at 1 p.m. MT Saturday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids, and may be purchased by calling 915-747-5234. All popcorn will be $1 in honor of "National Popcorn Day." The Miners will be looking to snap a three-game skid, including most recently falling at home to UAB, 74-48, on Jan. 17. The Blue Raiders, who have a half-game lead on Rice for first place in C-USA, extended their winning streak to five after stomping UTSA on the road, 72-52, on Jan. 17. UTEP is 2-6 on the year (0-1 C-USA) in the Don Haskins Center, with the first four losses by four points or less. MT is 6-3 on the road, including 3-0 within C-USA action. The game will be broadcast locally on 600 ESPN El Paso with Duke Keith on the call. There will also be a live stream on CUSAtv.com (subscription based). 

 

RUNNING THE GAUNTLET

Saturday's contest marks the final in a stretch with three straight games against the teams voted in the top three of the C-USA preseason poll. The sequence started with a 76-42 loss at Rice (picked second) on Jan. 12. It continued with the 74-48 setback against UAB (preseason favorite) on Jan. 17 and concludes against Middle Tennessee (picked third, 1 p.m. MT Saturday). Those teams have lived up to the hype by sporting a combined record of 43-9 on the campaign, including 13-1 in league play.  

 

HE SAID IT (COACH BAKER ON MIDDLE TENNESSEE)

"Middle Tennessee has emerged as one of the top teams in our Conference again this season.  In my opinion, they are much better than they were last season.  They have done a great job recruiting and have added some great athleticism to an already fundamental and sound team. By the time we get to March, they may emerge as the top team in C-USA.  We will need to put together a great performance to beat them on Saturday.  But, our team is growing and getting better each week and a win over Middle Tennessee would certainly lift our program up."

 

THE SERIES (OVERALL: MT LEADS, 4-1; IN EL PASO: TIED, 1-1)

Middle Tennessee holds a 4-1 advantage in the series with the Miners, with all of the match-ups coming since the Blue Raiders joined C-USA. The ledger is tied, 1-1, when the squads lock up in El Paso. MT has won the past two meetings, including a 54-45 conquest of UTEP at the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 13, 2018. Three of the first four match-ups were held in Murfreesboro, Tenn., but the Blue Raiders are making the trek to El Paso for the second straight season.

 

GET TO KNOW MT (14-4, 5-0 C-USA; 6-1 HOME; 6-3 AWAY; 2-0 NEUTRAL)

Middle Tennessee got off to a 2-2 start on the season, but it has picked things up by going 12-2 since that point. The Blue Raiders are off to a 5-0 start in Conference USA action, including most recently drilling UTSA, 72-52, on the road on Jan. 17.  The Blue Raiders hang their hat with their defense, pacing C-USA and ranking 17th in the country by allowing 55.2 points per game. They are also among the league leaders and top-100 nationally in fewest turnovers per game (13.7, second/30th), field-goal percentage (43.8, fourth/49th), 3-pointers attempted (384, fourth/55th), total steals (161, second/58th), turnover margin (+3.2, third/59th), 3-pointers made (126, fourth/59th), scoring margin (+10.5, second/68th) and 3-pointers per contest (7.0, sixth/99th). Individually A'Queen Hayes (15.0 ppg, eighth C-USA/193rd NCAA), Alex Johnson (14.6 ppg, 10th C-USA/22nd NCAA) and Taylor Sutton (11.3 ppg) are all in double figures for scoring. Hayes also has the unique distinction of topping the team in rebounding (7.3 rpg, fifth C-USA/194th NCAA) and assists (3.4 apg, seventh C-USA/243rd NCAA). Johnson (35.5 mpg, first C-USA/58th NCAA) and Hayes (34.2 mpg, third C-USA/139th NCAA) also play a ton of minutes. Middle Tennessee has a proud history, reaching the postseason in 15 straight seasons. Last year the Blue Raiders finished at 18-13, halting a ridiculous stretch of 14 consecutive 20+ win seasons. They were 10-6 in C-USA play, good enough for third place in the league. Overall MT competed in 18 NCAA Tournaments (5-18 record) and six WNITs (6-6 record). It has claimed 18 regular-season conference championships and 15 league tourney titles. The school was founded in 1911. Notable alumni include Kelly Holcomb (NFL QB from 1995-2007) and James McGill Buchanan (Nobel Prize Winner).

 

LAST MEETING WITH MT (MT 54, AT UTEP 45, JAN. 13, 2018)

Zuzanna Puc came off the bench to score 16 points while Jordan Alexanderadded 12 but visiting Middle Tennessee rode the hot hand of Anna Jones (30 points) to a 54-45 conquest of UTEP at the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 13, 2018. The Blue Raiders led 23-22 with 8:57 to play in the third quarter before they peeled off 15 straight points to put the Miners in a 16-point hole (38-22) with 2:35 to play in the frame. UTEP, as has been the case all year, proved to be a resilient club by cutting that deficit in half (43-37) with 6:43 remaining in regulation. Jones, though, nailed one of her eight triples in the contest to end the 15-5 run and the Orange and Blue could get no closer than seven the rest of the way. UTEP actually shot a better overall field-goal percentage (18-44, 40.9%) than Middle Tennessee (16-46, 34.8%) but the visitors made up for that by drilling 12 triples to UTEP's one and winning the boards (34-28). The Blue Raiders also had a 12-0 advantage for second-chance points. The Miners' two leading scorers (Tamara Seda and Najala Howell) were held to a combined six points, with Middle Tennessee really clamping down on the duo. That led to some opportunities for Puc, who drained 8-11 from the floor to key the charge offensively for UTEP. Alexander also hit double digits in scoring, aided by going 6-9 at the charity stripe, while Faith Cook pitched in seven points and four assists. Ultimately the difference in the game came down to Jones, who had a career day. She entered the game contributing 2.4 points per game and had made 7-39 (17.9 percent) from 3-point range on the season. Jones then proceeded to drill 8-13 from beyond-the-arc and 10-17 overall for the 30-point outburst. 

 

GOING BACK IN TIME (UAB 74, AT UTEP 48, 1/17/19)

Junior Zuzanna Puc notched her fourth double-double (11 points, career-high 13 rebounds) of the year while sophomore Alexa Hoy joined her in double figures (team-high 13 points) but UTEP couldn't sustain a strong start in a 74-48 setback to preseason league favorite UAB at the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 17. The Miners got off to a much-needed good start, leading by seven (11-4) with 3:49 to play in the opening quarter. The Blazers regrouped and struck back in the form of a 34-6 run to suddenly surge out by 21 (38-17) late in the opening half. The home side played hard the rest of the way, but the damage had been done. UTEP was hindered by an off shooting night, finishing at a season-low 26.6 percent (17-64) from the floor. It was a different story for the Blazers, who connected on 44.8 percent (26-57) of their shots. UAB also was locked in from distance, nailing 13-29 (44.8 percent) from beyond-the-arc. The Orange and Blue tried to make up for that by taking good care of the ball (12 turnovers), winning the boards (42-38), enjoying a 21-0 margin in second-chance points and a 28-22 differential in points in the paint but it wasn't enough. Jade Rochelle came off the bench to tally nine points while also grabbing six boards, buoying the efforts of Puc and Hoy. Rachael Childress (18 points), Lea Kerstein (16 points) and Katelynn Thomas (16 points) led the charge for the visitors while Deanna Kuzmanic added eight points. It marked the 13th consecutive road win in C-USA play for the defending regular-season league champions. 

 

SHORTHANDED SQUAD

UTEP dressed only eight players for the match-up with UAB, with Ariona Gilland Sabine Lipe missing the contest due to injuries. Gill has now been out of action for five straight games. Lipe, who missed the first three games of the campaign due to a knee injury, had started four in a row and appeared in the past 13 tilts before being unable to go against the Blazers.

 

MISSING GILL'S SCORING

Ariona Gill (currently injured) started the first 12 games, with her 11.2 points per game helping UTEP account for 61.8 points per contest in the sequence. She has been sidelined with an injury in the five games since, with the Miners' scoring average dipping to 51.8 ppg in the time frame. 

 

TRACKING THE OPPOSITION

UTEP's 13 setbacks have come against teams that are a combined 141-70 (66.8 percent) on the season. Twelve of those squads currently are .500 or better, with nine sitting in fourth place or better in their respective league standings. Overall the Miners' 17 opponents have a combined record of 163-117 (58.2 percent)

 

SOME CLOSE CALLS

Six of UTEP's 13 losses have come by seven points or less, with a pair of one-point setbacks, one by two points, one by four points, one by five points and one by seven points. The Miners have held a lead in eight of the setbacks, including  double-digit advantages against both Arkansas State (12/1/18) and at New Mexico (12/5/18). 

 

SECOND-HALF OFFENSIVE SUCCESS

UTEP has been a markedly better team offensively in second-half action this season, as the chart below shows. 

                                    UTEP Averages By Half

                                    PTS    FG%   3FG% FT%    AST    TO

            FIRST HALF          25.9    37.1     28.9    64.1     6.2      9.4

            SECOND HALF     33.0    40.9    33.1     71.8     7.8      6.9      

           

INDIVIDUAL QUICK HITTERS

Jordan Jenkins is one of three Miners with more assists (44) than turnovers (28) ... all 30 rebounds have been at the defensive end ... started nine of the first 12 games but has come off the bench the past five contests ... Jordan Alexander has grabbed a team-high 86 defensive rebounds; no one else on the squad is above 70 ... made 12 straight free throws ... after hitting 4-6 from distance at UTSA (1/5/19), has gone 0-8 on treys in the ensuing three games ... Ten of Neidy Ocuane's 14 field goals on the year have been from 3-point range ... one of three Miners with more assists (24) than turnovers (20) ... played 24 minutes against UAB (1/17/19), marking her second-highest total of the season ...Zuzanna Puc is the only player on the team to have started every contest ... posted fourth double-double (11 points, career-high 13 boards) vs. UAB (1/17/19), bouncing back from her first career scoreless effort at Rice (1/12/19) ... team-best 38 offensive boards, including a season-high six against the Blazers ...Jade Rochelle is fourth on the team in rebounds per game (4.6 rpg) despite placing seventh in minutes per game (17.0) ... posted her second-high scoring (nine) effort against UAB (1/17/19) ...lone Miner to have fewer than 1.0 turnovers per contest (0.9) ... only player on the squad to have not started at least once this season ... earned double digits in playing time in 14 of 16 appearances, including a career-high tying 24 minutes against the Blazers ... Ariona Gill (currently injured) started the first 12 contests before missing the past five tilts with an injury ... Sabine Lipe missed the game against UAB (1/17/19) with an injury ; she had started four straight contests ... missed the first three contests of the season due to a knee injury ... Alexa Hoy has played 38+ minutes in three consecutive tilts, including a career-high 40 against UAB (1/17/19) ... snagged at least three rebounds in five consecutive contests; had three such efforts over the first 12 games on the year ... hit double figures in scoring in three of the past four games; did so once previously on the season ... Ariana Taylor has started two of the past three games ... had season-high six turnovers vs. Western Illinois (12/20/18), but has a combined five giveaways in the six games since ... fouled out against UAB (1/17/19) after never having more than three in a tilt previously ... Katarina Zec has played 30 minutes in back-to-back contests for the first time this season ...  pulled down a season-best four offensive boards against UAB (1/17/19).

 

TRENDING WITH THE TEAM

Pulled down a season-high 19 offensive rebounds against UAB (1/17/19) ... posted a +21 margin in second-chance points (21-0), its best differential since sporting a +22 (25-2) against Lamar on Dec. 1, 2011 ... UAB (1/17/19) became the first opponent to not register a second-chance point since Texas State on Dec. 31, 2011 ... made 12 turnovers or less in two of the past three games ... limited to less than 50 points in consecutive contests for the first time under head coach Kevin Baker ... foes have hit 12+ 3-pointers in back-to-back tilts for the initial occasion in program history.

 

 

IT'S A QUARTER THING

UTEP has a -5.1 average scoring margin (12.2-17.3) in the first quarter, but it is much more competitive the rest of the way. The average difference is -2.0 (13.6-15.6) in the second quarter, +0.3 in the third quarter (15.7-15.4) and -0.9 (17.3-18.2) in the fourth quarter. Overall on the season the Miners have been outscored by 131 points (1001-1132). They are -86 (208-294) in the first quarter, -34 (232-266) in the second quarter, +5 (267-262) in the third quarter and -16 (294-310) in the fourth quarter. 

 

DEEPER LOOK AT THE LOSSES

The chart shows UTEP's differential in its worst quarter of each loss compared to the Miners' margin in the other three quarters combined in the game.

Opp.                           Diff In Worst Quarter     Diff Other Three Quarters         Final Score  

Abilene Christian  -15 (8-23), 1Q                        +14 (61-47)                                        L, 69-70

Nicholls State         -13 (6-19), 4Q                        +11 (50-39)                                        L, 56-58

at Weber State        -12 (10-22), 1Q                      +7 (53-46)                                        L, 63-68

NM State                 -10 (8-18), 1Q                        +6 (57-51)                                          L, 65-69

Ark. State                 -6 (18-24), 4Q                       +5 (48-43)                                        L, 66-67

vs. Akron                  -7 (12-19), 4Q                        0 (45-45)                                           L, 57-64

at Tulsa                     -20 (5-25), 1Q                       -1 (40-41)                                           L, 45-66

at UNM                    -8 (8-21), 2Q                         -5 (43-48)                                          L, 51-69

at Arizona                -14 (9-23), 2Q                       -8 (31-39)                                         L, 40-62

UAB                           -18 (6-24), 2Q                       -8 (42-50)                                         L, 48-74         

at North Texas       -8 (14-22), 1Q                        -11 (37-48)                                         L, 51-70

Portland State         -9 (17-26), 1Q                        -19 (44-63)                                        L, 61-89

Rice                            -13 (10-23), 1Q                      -19 (32-53)                                        L, 42-76

 

DEFENDING WITHOUT FOULING

The Miners are committing 14.5 fouls per game (first C-USA/31st NCAA), a stark contrast to the 18.9 fpg called on the opposition. One direct impact has been UTEP having advantages in free throws made and attempted. The Miners are 202-294 from the charity stripe compared to their foes standing 172-239. 

 

PUTTING UP THE POINTS

Zuzanna Puc (11.8 ppg, 16th C-USA), Ariona Gill (currently injured, 11.2 ppg), Katarina Zec (7.5 ppg). and Jordan Alexander (7.5 ppg) have been the most consistent scoring threats for the Miners in 2018-19. They are combining for 38.0 of UTEP's 58.9 points per game on average, with no other player on the squad tallying more than 6.5 ppg. The quartet is responsible for 27 of the 37 double-digit scoring efforts on the campaign. Puc (10) leads, followed by Gill (seven), Alexander (five) and Zec (five). Ariana Taylor (four), Alexa Hoy (four), Jordan Jenkins (one), Jade Rochelle (one) have the other 10.

 

SHARING IS CARING

UTEP is producing 14.0 assists per contest (fourth C-USA), with 238 total helpers (fifth C-USA/95th NCAA). Jordan Jenkins leads the way at 2.8 assists per game (15th C-USA). 

 

TALKING PLAYING TIME

Every player on the squad is securing better than 10.0 minutes per game, including eight earning at least 15.0 mpg. Ariona Gill (currently injured) tops the squad in playing time (29.0 mpg). Seven of the 10 Miners have appeared in every contest this year, while Jade Rochelle (16 GP, one coaches' DNP), Sabine Lipe (currently injured, 13 GP) and Gill (13 GP, missed last five injured) have played in the majority of the 17 games. UTEP has used six different starting line-up combinations, including three straight contests with a new look to the line-up.

 

UTEP IN THE RANKINGS

UTEP is in the upper echelon of C-USA and among the top-100 nationally for fewest fouls per game (14.5, first/31st), fewest total fouls (246, second/57th) and total assists (238, second/95th)

 

INDIVIDUALS IN THE RANKINGS

Zuzanna Puc is in the C-USA leaders for offensive rebounds per game (2.2, ninth), field-goal percentage (48.2, 10th), rebounds per game (6.0, tied 14th) and points per game (11.8, 16th). Jordan Alexander checks in the C-USA rankings for defensive rebounds per game (5.1, fifth), 3-point percentage (36.8, 14th) and rebounds per game (6.0, 14th). 

 

PUC POWER

Junior Zuzanna Puc paces the Miners in scoring (11.8 ppg, 16th C-USA), field-goal percentage (48.2, 12th C-USA), offensive rebounds per game (2.2, ninth C-USA), double-doubles (three), total blocked shots (10) and free throws made (39) and attempted (60). She also shares the squad lead for rebounds per game (6.0, tied 14th) and ranks second in minutes per game (28.6). Puc has produced a team-best 10 double-digit scoring efforts (UTEP is 4-6 in those games). The native of Poland is the only player on the squad to have started all 17 contests. 

 

ALEXANDER AVENUE

Jordan Alexander, the lone senior on the squad, has been trying to lead by example. She paces the team in defensive rebounds per game (5.1, fifth C-USA), 3-pointers made (21), 3-pointers attempted (57), 3-point percentage (36.8, 14th C-USA). Alexander shares the squad lead in rebounds per game (6.0, tied 14th C-USA). The Texas native is also one of four Miners to contribute at least 7.0 points per game (7.5 ppg, tied third on team).

 

HOY'S EMERGENCE

Sophomore Alexa Hoy has emerged as a key player for the Miners. In C-USA action Hoy paces the team in scoring (14.0 ppg), playing time (37.2 mpg), field-goals made (18), field goals attempted (43), field-goal percentage (41.9), 3-pointers made (seven) and 3-point percentage (53.8) while ranking second in assists per game (2.0). During the first 10 games of the year Hoy chipped in 4.0 ppg on 23.3 percent (13-56) shooting, including 12.5 percent (3-24) on 3-point tosses. She has turned the corner by producing 10.1 ppg on a team-best 42.9 percent shooting (24-56), including a squad-high 52.6 percent (10-19) from distance, in the seven games since. Overall Hoy has elevated her seasonal scoring average to 6.5 ppg (fifth on team). She shares the team lead in free-throw percentage (82.8).

 

TAYLOR MAKING PROGRESS

Freshman  Ariana Taylor has made big strides since early in the year, culminating with starting two of the past three games. In C-USA action Taylor is tied for second on the squad in scoring (8.8 ppg), aided by a pair of double-digit scoring efforts. She is 6-12 (50.0 percent) from distance in league play. She has accounted for 4.5 rebounds per game in C-USA play, more than doubling her effort (2.0 rpg) during the 13 nonconference contests. The surge has elevated her seasonal scoring average to 5.5 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per tilt. 

 

WORTH THE WAIT

Ariona Gill (currently injured), who sat out last year as a redshirt, has proven to be worth the wait. She put up 11.2 points per game while grabbing 4.9 rebounds per game in a team-best 29.0 minutes per game while starting the first 12 contests of the campaign. She hasn't played since, missing five straight tilts due to an injury. 

 

KAT'S CORNER

Katarina Zec is second on the squad in 3-pointers made (16), 3-pointers attempted (46) and 3-point percentage (34.8). She is also tied for third on the team in scoring (7.5 ppg) and rates fourth in minutes per game (23.7 mpg). She started the first 14 games before coming off the bench at North Texas (1/10/19), snapping an overall streak of 58 consecutive starts. Zec has been back among the starting five the past two tilts. She has been consistent at the charity stripe, nailing 24-29 attempts for a team-high tying 82.8 percent. 

 

THE BAKER FILE (OVERALL: 365-158, COLLEGE: 143-57, UTEP: 21-27)

Kevin Baker is in his second year (21-27) at the helm of the UTEP women's basketball team. He is in his 17th year overall (365-158) as a head coach, including his seventh season (143-57) as a college head coach. He has a unique background which has seen him rise through the coaching ranks from the high school level, to NCAA Division III, then NCAA Division II and now his NCAA Division I position at UTEP. He has set school records for wins at every previous stop of his career, and has taken every prior school to the postseason with a total of five district championships. He is an eight-time Coach of the Year. In his most-recent posts prior to UTEP, Baker's teams captured back-to-back conference championships at UT-Tyler and Angelo State. Baker led both a Division II (Angelo State) and Division III (UT-Tyler) school to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

 

BAKER'S FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS

Kevin Baker set the school record for most wins (17-14) by a first-year Miner head coach in 2017-18, but that doesn't even begin to tell the whole story. The seven previous first-year head coaches had an average combined record of 8-17. Carol Ammermann (11-5, 1974-75) and Janet Wood (11-16, 1979-80) shared the school mark for wins (11). Baker obliterated that figure while also joining Ammermann as the lone individuals to experience a winning season in year one at UTEP. Furthermore, Baker became the initial first-year Miner head coach to taste victory at the league tournament.

 

WINNING NUMBERS UNDER BAKER

The Miners are 11-1 (3-0 this year) when scoring 70+ points under Kevin Baker. Other notable records in the Baker era include being, 9-2 (2-2 this year) when shooting at least 50 percent from the floor, 10-3 (3-2 this season) when drilling better than 40 percent from 3-point range (min. four makes), 15-6 (4-1 this year) when holding the opponent to below 40.0 percent from the floor, 16-7 (3-3 in '18-19) when tied or leading after three quarters and 20-13 (4-4 this year) when winning the boards.

 

HOME SWEET HOME

UTEP has an all-time home record of 362-225, including standing 2-6 in the Don Haskins Center in 2018-19. The Miners have amassed a record of 164-51 at home since 2006-07, including 97-34 since 2011-12. UTEP has been particularly strong in nonconference play, standing 82-17 in the Sun City in such contests since 2006-07. 

 

TRAVEL TIME

UTEP is 145-369 all time on the road, including 1-6 thus far in 2018-19. When playing at a neutral site the Miners stand 61-80, including 1-1 this year. Since the start of the 2006-07 season UTEP is 63-76 on the road, including 39-45 since 2011-12. 

 

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

UTEP juniors Zuzanna Puc and Katarina Zec are starting to sprinkle their names in the UTEP career records. Puc is 12th in blocked shots (46), 30th for field goals made (272), 31st in rebounds (386), 36th in points (663) and tied 41st for games played (77). Zec is tied 15th in 3-pointers attempted (222), 16th in games started (66) and 3-pointers made (74), 46th in games played (73) and 47th in points (556).

 

FOURTH BEST IN TEXAS SINCE 2006-07

The Miners have the fourth-highest winning percentage and fourth-most victories among all DI programs in the state of Texas since 2006-07. Power conference members Baylor (396-54, 88.0%), Texas A&M (322-112, 74.2%) and Texas (276-144, 65.7%) lead the way followed by the Miners (250-147, 63.0%). Lamar (244-146, 62.6%), Stephen F. Austin (240-149, 61.7%), TCU (234-168, 58.2%), Prairie View A&M (208-186, 52.8%), SMU (203-186, 52.8%) and Texas Tech (195-202, 49.1%) round out the top 10. 

 

SPECIAL RUN

The Miners are 150-93 since the start of the 2011-12 season (4-13 this year). UTEP has played postseason basketball three times during the stretch, making two deep runs in the WNIT (2014 runner-up, 2016 quarterfinals) and earning the C-USA automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament (lost, first round). The Orange and Blue have enjoyed 18 separate winning streaks of at least three games (nine such skids), and posted 90 double-digit victories (47 such losses) during that time frame

 

45 YEARS AND COUNTING

The 2018-19 season marks the 45th in program history. The 1974-75 squad, the inaugural one at UTEP, will be honored in the Miners' game against WKU on Feb. 2, 2019. The 1974-75 finished 11-5, including 8-1 in El Paso.

 

GETTING TO KNOW THE 2018-19 MINERS

UTEP returned four letter winners (Jordan Alexander-8.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg,Jordan Jenkins-2.0 ppg, 1.4 apg, Zuzanna Puc-9.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and Katarina Zec-9.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg) from last year's squad (17-14, 7-9 C-USA). Also back are a pair of players (Ariona Gill and Neidy Ocuane) who sat out last year as redshirts. The Miners also have newcomers (Eliana Cabral, freshman guard,Alexa Hoy, sophomore guard, Sabine Lipe, freshman guard, Jade Rochelle, junior guard/forward and Ariana Taylor, freshman forward), but Cabral is slated to take a redshirt year in 2018-19. The squad is under the direction of second-year head coach Kevin Baker, who is assisted by Lori Morris, Michael Madrid and Kayla Weaver.  

 

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR

Nearly half (5-11) of the Miners' roster in 2018-19 is comprised of international players. Eliana Cabral (Portugal), Sabine Lipe (Latvia), Neidy Ocuane(Mozambique), Zuzanna Puc (Poland) and Katarina Zec (Serbia) give UTEP a distinct international flavor this season. 

 

TEXAS STRONG

The Miners feature five native Texans (Jordan Alexander, Dallas, Alexa Hoy, Rockwall, Jordan Jenkins, Tennessee Colony, Jade Rochelle, Grandview andAriana Taylor, Houston) on the roster. The only other American on the team (Ariona Gill) hails from Las Vegas, Nev.

 

SHARING THE LEADERSHIP

For the third straight season the Miners feature a squad with just one senior (Jordan Alexander). She is far from alone in terms of leadership, with five juniors (Ariona Gill, Neidy Ocuane, Zuzanna Puc, Jade Rochelle and Katarina Zec) on the roster. Puc and Zec have earned a pair of letters for the Miners. Gill and Ocuane sat out last season as redshirts, while Rochelle is a transfer from Blinn College. 

 

BASIC FACTS ON UTEP

UTEP is 568-675 in its 45th season as a women's basketball program, including standing 4-13 in 2018-19. The Miners have made four postseason bids (2016,-WNIT quarterfinals; 2014-WNIT runner-up, 2012-NCAA first round and 2008-NCAA second round), sporting a combined record of 9-4 (8-2 WNIT, 1-2 NCAA). UTEP has claimed four league championships (2016 C-USA regular season, 2012 C-USA regular season and conference tournament and 2008 C-USA regular season). It has a 1-1 record all time in league tournament title games, cutting down the nets in 2012 and falling in 2008. There have been six 20+ win seasons (all since 2006-07), UTEP has cracked the top-25 poll in two seasons (2015-16, 2007-08), including being ranked in the final six weeks in '07-08, while receiving votes in seven campaigns total ('15-16, '13-14, '12-13, '11-12, '08-09, '07-08 and '06-07). The Miners have been mentioned in the AP Preseason Poll four times (most recent 2016-17). In 2008 UTEP became the first C-USA women's team to finish undefeated in league play (16-0) while claiming the program's initial league title. The Miners finished 15-1 in C-USA in 2012 in addition to also winning the program's first conference tournament championship. UTEP owns the C-USA single-season record for winning streak at 23, which was set in 2007-08. The University of Texas at El Paso was founded in 1914. Notable alumni include former ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Sam Donaldson, well-respected and former NFL referee Ed Hochuli, former NASA astronaut Danny Olivas engineer & Dennis Poon, who designed Taipei 101 & some of the tallest buildings in the world.

 

QUICK 2017-18 YEAR IN REVIEW

The Miners compiled an overall record of 17-14 (7-9 in C-USA play, 9-4 in nonconference action) to surge past the 2016-17 team's overall victory total (8-23) by nine wins while also exceeding the number of league victories (5-13 C-USA). UTEP also won a game at the C-USA tournament, and it even led top-seed UAB by five points late in the third quarter before ultimately succumbing, 75-66, on March 8, 2018.

 

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans are encouraged to connect with the Miners on Facebook (UTEP Women's Basketball), Instagram (@utepwbb) and Twitter (@UTEPWBB). 

 

UP NEXT

UTEP heads back on the road with a cross-country trip for a pair of match-ups in the Eastern Time Zone. Up first is a 9 a.m. MT/11 a.m. ET game at Old Dominion, with the special tipoff time due to it an "Education Day" promotion. The Miners will then conclude a stretch of playing five of their first seven league contests on the road with a tilt at Charlotte at 2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. Both contests will be broadcast locally on 600 ESPN El Paso withBrandon Cohn on the call.  

 

CLIFF NOTES ON THE 2018-19 SEASON

UTEP FALLS TO RICE ON THE ROAD (AT RICE 76, UTEP 42, 1/12/19)

Freshman Ariana Taylor reached double figures in scoring (12 points) for the second straight game but league-leading Rice used a big day on the boards and a barrage of 3-pointers to clip the Miners, 76-42, inside Tudor Fieldhouse on Jan. 12. The Miners had an off shooting day (13-40, 32.4 percent) and also were challenged in the rebounding department (38-24), as the Owls won their sixth straight game and for the 13th time in the past 14 contests. Rice connected on 50.0 percent (27-54) from the floor, including drilling 12-26 (46.2 percent) from 3-point range. It is just the third time in 47 game of the Kevin Baker era that an opponent has finished at 50.0 percent or better from the floor. Taylor came off the bench to post a team-high 12 points, giving her back-to-back double-digit scoring efforts for the first time of her career. Sophomore Alexa Hoycontinued her strong play of late with nine points while senior Jordan Alexander added eight and junior Katarina Zec pitched in seven.

 

UTEP DISPATCHED AT NORTH TEXAS (AT NORTH TEXAS 70, UTEP 51, 1/10/19)

Freshman Ariana Taylor (13 points) and sophomore Alexa Hoy (12 points) reached double figures in scoring but a tough start loomed large in UTEP's 70-51 deficit against North Texas at the Super Pit on Jan. 10. The Miners found themselves down 11 (14-3) three minutes into the contest, with the Mean Green connecting on their first six shots. UTEP did its best to withstand the early barrage, battling to get within five (35-30) midway through the third quarter only to have a 9-0 UNT run put the game out of reach for good. The Miners finished at 34.6 percent (18-52) from the floor, which was hindered by a readout of 22.2 percent (4-18) from 3-point range. After the quick start shooting by the home side UTEP tightened up, resulting in UNT checking in at 41.9 percent (26-62). The Mean Green won the boards (43-37), despite Taylor (career-high seven rebounds) and Zuzanna Puc (seven boards) putting in some work on the glass. The Orange and Blue did take good care of the ball with only 12 giveaways but it wasn't enough to compensate for the other areas.

 

HOY'S CARER DAY HELPS MINERS RACE PAST ROADRUNNERS (UTEP 73, AT UTSA 60, 1/5/19)

Sophomore Alexa Hoy poured in a career-high 22 points off the bench to pace a trio of Miners in double figures as UTEP toppled UTSA, 73-60, on the road in the Conference USA opener for both squads inside the Convocation Center on Jan. 5. The first true road victory of the year for the Miners moves them to 11-3 all time in C-USA lidlifters. The Roadrunners didn't make it easy by bolting to a 10-point (22-12) lead early in the second quarter, but behind Hoy's 12 points in the frame UTEP pulled even (30-30) at half. The Miners were up by two (49-47) before using a huge fourth quarter (24-13) to post the double-digit victory.Jordan Alexander (season-high 18 points) and Zuzanna Puc (15 points) joined Hoy in double figures for scoring while freshmen Ariana Taylor (eight points) and Sabine Lipe (seven points) also got after it. UTEP crushed the Roadrunners, the top offensive-rebounding team in the league, on the boards (45-28), with Alexander snagging 11 rebounds to post her second double-double this season. Lipe got involved as well by pulling down a career-best seven caroms. The Miners shot 45.3 percent (24-53) from the floor, including connecting on 8-20 (40.0 percent) from distance. UTEP shared the ball effectively, racking up 17 assists on its 24 field goals made. It was a different story for the home side, which was limited to 33.3 percent (22-66) shooting, including 22.7 percent (5-22) on 3-point tries. But the story of the day was Hoy, who put on a show in front of her mom, aunt and grandmother. She nailed 7-12 from the floor, including 2-5 from distance. She also made 6-7 free throws, including 5-6 in the final frame, to help ice the contest.

 

IMPRESSIVE COMEBACK

UTEP erased a 10-point deficit (22-12) in the second quarter on the way to winning by 13 (73-60) at UTSA (1/5/19). It marked the first time since a 78-66 victory at Florida Atlantic (1/21/16) that the Miners overcame a double-digit deficit to prevail by at least 10 points on the road. 

 

TALKING LEAGUE OPENERS

UTEP improved to 11-3 in Conference USA openers since joining the league (2005-06), including now standing a perfect 2-0 in the situation under Kevin Baker. Furthermore the Miners have now won nine of their last 10 league lid lifters. Overall UTEP stands 16-22 all time in conference lid lifters.  

 

LUCKY 7

Guard Sabine Lipe had seven points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the win at UTSA (1/5/19), making her the first Miner freshman to have a stat line of at least 7-7-7 in those categories since Shalana Taylor recorded a triple-double (12-11-10) in a 71-50 win against Hawaii on Feb. 19, 2005.

 

UTEP TRIPPED UP AT TULSA (AT TULSA 66, UTEP 45, 12/29/18)

Katarina Zec (season-high 16 points) and Zuzanna Puc (13 points) each reached double figures in scoring but a slow start proved fatal in UTEP's 66-45 setback at Tulsa on Dec. 29. The Miners dug themselves a 20-point hole (25-5) through 10 minutes of action and could never recovery against the Golden Hurricane. UTEP won the second (11-10) and third quarters (18-14) before being outpaced slightly (17-11) in the final frame. The Orange and Blue were without their second-leading scorer (Ariona Gill), who missed the contest with an injury. Freshman Sabine Lipe started in her place, contributing a career-best six assists and three boards. UTEP finished at 32.7 percent (18-55) from the floor, recording 13 assists on its 18 made field goals. It also took decent care of the ball with 15 turnovers, but the first quarter was too much to overcome. Rebounding favored Tulsa slightly (36-33), but the Miners enjoyed a 26-20 cushion for points in the paint. Jade Rochelle set the tone for the Orange and Blue on the boards by grabbing a team-best seven caroms. In terms of scoring, Jordan Alexander (seven points), Ariana Taylor (five points) and Rochelle (four points) followed after Zec and Puc.

 

TAYLOR SCORES CAREER-HIGH 16 BUT UTEP FALLS TO AKRON (VS. AKRON 64, UTEP 57, 12/21/18)

Freshman Ariana Taylor came off the bench to pour in a career-high 16 points but UTEP was upended against Akron, 64-57, in its second and final game at the Vegas South Point Holiday Hoops Classic on Dec. 21. The Miners trailed by 10 (41-31) with 6:17 to play in the third quarter before the bench essentially orchestrated a 12-0 run to give them their first lead since it was 4-2 in the opening frame. It was back-and-forth the rest of the way, before the Zips used a 6-0 run late to create some separation and hold on for the win. UTEP's reserves proved their worth, accounting for 37 of the team's 57 points on the night. The Miners connected on 41.3 percent (19-46) of their shots while going 15-18 at the charity stripe. UTEP took good care of the ball, committing only 10 turnovers. All 10 Miners suited up played between 18-26 minutes during the contest. Taylor was the lone member of the Orange and Blue to reach double figures in scoring. Katarina Zec buoyed her with eight, followed by Sabine Lipe (career-high tying seven) and Alexa Hoy (five).

 

UTEP SHOOTS PAST WESTERN ILLINOIS (UTEP 84, VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS 72, 12/20/18)

Zuzanna Puc posted a double-double (season-best 24 points, 11 rebounds) and UTEP erupted for a season high in points in an 84-72 win against Western Illinois as part of the Las Vegas South Point Holiday Hoops Classic on Dec. 20. The Miners  shot a campaign-best 53.6 percent (30-56) from the floor, aided by nailing a season-high 11 3-pointers on 19 attempts for their top percentage (.579) from distance on the year to snap an eight-game skid in style. UTEP led for 30 minutes against the Fighting Leathernecks, including being up by as many as 20 (77-57) in the fourth quarter. Puc had a field day against a WIU squad that didn't have a player taller than 6'0, shooing 9-18 from the floor and securing four of her 11 rebounds on the offensive end. She was the lone member of the Orange and Blue to reach double figures in scoring, but every Miner had least four points in the contest. Puc led with 24, followed by Alexa Hoy (nine points), Jordan Alexander (eight points), Ariona Gill (eight points), Neidy Ocuane (career-high eight points), Sabine Lipe (career-best seven points),Katarina Zec (seven points), Jade Rochelle (five points), Jordan Jenkins(four points) and Ariana Taylor (four points). UTEP shared the ball well, recording 23 assists on 30 made field goals. Jenkins set the tone in that department with a career-high tying seven dimes compared to just one giveaway. Gill added a personal-best matching four helpers. The Miners also dominated on the boards (41-27) and in points in the paint (34-20)

 

UTEP DISPATCHED AT ARIZONA (AT ARIZONA 62, UTEP 40, 12/17/18)

UTEP held Arizona to its lowest scoring total of the season but turnovers and not enough shots falling loomed large in a 62-40 road setback inside the McKale Center on Dec. 17. RS-Junior Ariona Gill (11 points) and senior Jordan Alexander (10 points) hit double figures in scoring to pace the Miners, who limited the Wildcats to 17 points below their season average (78.6 ppg). UTEP also won the boards (36-31) but couldn't get into a good rhythm consistently against the homestanding Wildcats. The Miners finished at 36.6 (15-41) percent from the floor, but of greater concern were the 19 turnovers that resulted in 23 points for the home side. It was a different story for UA, which had only nine giveaways and shot 40.9 percent (25-61) from the field. Freshman Ariana Taylor provided a spark off the bench with eight points and a career-high tying four rebounds in 14 minutes of action. Fellow classmate Sabine Lipe added a career-best five points, including a fancy old-fashioned 3-point play in transition.

 

UTEP FALLS TO UNDEFEATED PORTLAND STATE (PORTLAND STATE 89, AT UTEP 61, 12/9/18)

Redshirt-junior Ariona Gill posted her first career double-double (17 points, career-best 12 rebounds) but an off shooting day and a balanced offensive attack from the visitors proved problematic in UTEP's 89-61 loss to undefeated Portland State at the Don Haskins Center on Dec. 9. Jade Rochelle (career-high 11 points) and Ariana Taylor (career-high 10 points) came off the bench to provide a spark for the Miners, who played the second half without leading scorer and rebound Zuzanna Puc. Jordan Alexander added eight points and eight boards, but the Vikings simply had too much firepower. PSU was paced by Kylie Jimenez's 21 points while Ashley Bolston (18 points), Sidney Rielly (14 points) and Ana Tainta (13 points) also had big days. The Miners finished at 32.8 percent (20-61) from the floor, including 25.0 percent (3-12) from 3-point range. It was a different story for the Vikings, who drained 44.2 percent (34-77) of their attempts on the day. PSU had a slight edge in rebounding (45-41), with the 11 rebounds by Desirae Hanson in 20 minutes making a difference for her squad. The Vikings also had significant advantages in points in the paint (42-28) and fastbreak points (24-21). UTEP shared the ball effectively, recording 15 assists on 20 made field goals. 

 

PUC TALLIES SEASON-HIGH 21 POINTS IN LOSS AT UNM (AT NEW MEXICO 69, UTEP 51, 12/5/18)

Zuzanna Puc poured in a season-high 21 points, including 10 during a big first quarter, but UTEP couldn't sustain its fast start in a 69-51 loss at New Mexico on Dec. 5. The Miners bolted out to a 19-10 advantage through 10 minutes of action, with Puc single-handily matching the Lobos for scoring in the frame. The home side regrouped and responded in a big way to pull away over the final three quarters. In spite of that, UTEP kept the Lobos to a season-low 69 points. UNM entered the game putting up 81 points per game and was flying high after routing NM State, 83-58, last time out on Dec. 1. Jordan Jenkins(eight points, five assists) and Jordan Alexander (seven points, nine boards) buoyed the efforts of Puc. UTEP recorded 15 assists on its 20 made field goals while also keeping things competitive on the glass (41-38, UNM). Overall the Miners connected on 36.4 percent (20-55) from the floor, including a sizzling 53.3 percent (8-15) over the first 10 minutes of action.

 

A-STATE SLIPS PAST UTEP (ARKANSAS STATE 67, AT UTEP 66, 12/1/18)

UTEP connected on 50 percent of its shots (23-46) and won the rebounding battle (37-31) but visiting Arkansas State escaped with a 67-66 win at the Don Haskins on Dec. 1. The Miners led by two (66-64) before Akasha Westbrook converted an old-fashioned 3-point play to put the Red Wolves up by one (67-66) with 13 seconds left. UTEP called timeout to advance the ball and looked to retake the lead but it wasn't in the cards as redshirt-junior Neidy Ocuane was called for a change with less than a second to play. UTEP had led by as many as 10 (37-27, 8:23 3Q) early in the second half, and the margin was still at five (48-43) going into the fourth quarter before A-State rallied. Redshirt-junior Ariona Gill (17 points), Alexander (13 points) and junior Zuzanna Puc (12 points) set the tone offensively for the Miners. Transfer Jade Rochelle pitched in eight points and a career-best nine rebounds in a personal-best 24 minutes played. UTEP held A-State to 38.7 percent (24-62) from the floor, including just 23.5 percent (4-17) from 3-point range. The visitors compensated for that by forcing 23 Miner turnovers that were converted into 27 points. Another factor was A-State, which entered the contest leading the nation in both free throws made and attempted, going 15-26 at the charity stripe. Included in that was a 12-22 effort in the second half. UTEP was 12-13 from the free-throw line, including 8-9 in the final 20 minutes. 

 

NEARLY PERFECT AT THE LINE

UTEP nailed 12-13 from the free-throw line against Arkansas State (12/1). It marked the ninth-highest percentage (92.3) in a single game at program history. Zuzanna Puc and Jade Rochelle keyed the efforts by both going 4-4.

 

BLOCK PARTY

UTEP was credited with its most blocked shots (eight) of the Kevin Baker era in the setback against Arkansas State (12/1). Zuzanna Puc set the tone with a career-best four rejections. Ariona Gill also established a personal best with two blocks while Jordan Alexander and Jade Rochelle added one each.

 

MINERS UPENDED AT WEBER STATE (AT WEBER STATE 68, UTEP 63 11/28/18)

Jordan Alexander produced her first double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) of the year while  Katarina Zec added a season-high 15 points but a slow start doomed UTEP in its 68-63 setback at Weber State on Nov. 28. The Miners were sluggish at the onset, with the Wildcats capitalizing in the form of a 15-0 run over the first five minutes of the game. UTEP went to work from the point on, getting the deficit all the way down to two (43-41, 4:07 3Q) midway through the third quarter. WSU responded five a 5-0 run and the Miners couldn't get closer than five the rest of the way. UTEP piled up 15 assists on 22 made field goals, while tying for the fewest turnovers (six) in a road game in program history. The boards (42-41, WSU) were competitive as well but the home side found some separation with its shooting. WSU nailed 44.2 percent (23-52) from the field, including drilling 10-21 (47.6 percent) from 3-point range. Conversely, the Miners finished at 29.7 percent (22-74) from the floor. The Miners hit a season-best nine triples but needed the second-most attempts (33) in program history to do so. Zec drilled a quartet of triples while Alexander connected on 3-6 from beyond-the-arc. Jade Rochelle came off the bench to contribute career bests in both points (eight) and rebounds (eight), while Alexa Hoy added nine. Ariona Gill chipped in six points and career-high six boards. 

 

ABILENE CHRISTIAN OUTLASTS UTEP (ABILENE CHRISTIAN 70, AT UTEP 69, 11/24/18)

Ariona Gill poured in a career-high 22 points while Zuzanna Puc added 18 points but visiting Abilene Christian outlasted UTEP, 70-69, in the final game of the UTEP Thanksgiving Classic at the Don Haskins Center on Nov. 24. The Miners trailed the Wildcats by as many as 15 (23-8) in the opening quarter but they slowly but surely chipped away at the deficit. UTEP reduced the margin to seven (37-30) at the break before managing to take a one-point edge (50-49) heading to the fourth quarter. It was a back-and-fourth battle down the stretch, with ACU going back on top for good with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left. An unlucky pass led to Gill having to race down the ball before heaving up a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer. UTEP drilled 52.5 percent (31-59) from the floor while also committing the then fewest turnovers (nine) of the Kevin Baker era but ACU was locked in offensively as well. The Wildcats drilled 51.1 percent (24-47) of their shots, including draining 14-28 (50.0) from beyond-the-arc. They also won the boards, 29-23. Katarina Zec pitched in 11 points to join Gill and Puc in double figures. Four different Miners registered five assists each to help UTEP pile up a season-best 24 assists. Dominique Golightly (18 points) and Makayla Mabry (17 points) led the way for ACU. The duo combined to make 10-17 from 3-point range.

 

POUNDING IT IN THE PAINT

UTEP attacked Abilene Christian down low, piling up 50 points in the paint. It marked the first time that the Miners have amassed that many points in the paint against a DI opponent since also tallying 50 in an 83-62 home win against FIU on Feb. 8, 2014.

 

COMEBACK BID FALLS SHORT TO NICHOLLS (NICHOLLS STATE 58, AT UTEP 56, 11/23/18)

Ariona Gill (14 points) and Jordan Alexander (season-high 12 points) hit double figures in scoring as UTEP rallied back from a 17-point second-quarter deficit to regain the lead several occasions in the fourth quarter only to have visiting Nicholls State pull out a 58-56 win as part of the UTEP Thanksgiving Classic at the Don Haskins Center Friday afternoon. The Miners (2-2) trailed 28-11 with 2:56 to play in the second period but they refused to quit against the Colonels (1-4). The home side used a huge third quarter (23-12) to get back within striking distance heading to the final frame. UTEP continued its push in the fourth quarter, going up by three (45-42) with 7:44 left. Nicholls State countered with eight straight points to vault out by five (50-45) before the Miners tallied the next six points to jump ahead by one (51-50). It was a seesaw battle the rest of the way, with a pair of free throws from Cassidy Barrios providing the seventh and final lead change with 52 seconds left. UTEP had a chance to tie or win it with two seconds left, but was unable to get a shot off. Barrios produced a game-high 22 points to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the way for Nicholls State. She was supported by a nine-point effort from Kinzie Heineman. UTEP connected 42.6 percent (20-47) from the floor, including 8-20 on 3-pointers, while also committing a season-low 13 turnovers but issues elsewhere doomed the home side. The Miners were 8-17 on free throws and were outrebounded, 34-27.

 

BOMBS AWAY

The Miners nailed a season-high eight 3-pointers in the setback vs. Nicholls State (11/23). Leading the charge was senior Jordan Alexander, who drilled a career-best four treys on five attempts on the way to a season-best 12 points. 

 

UTEP RALLY FALLS SHOT TO NM STATE (NM STATE 69, AT UTEP 65, 11/17/18)

Zuzanna Puc registered her second straight double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) and UTEP battled valiantly but its comeback bid came up short in a 69-65 defeat to NM State in the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Battle of I-10 at the Don Haskins Center on Nov. 17. The Miners dug themselves an 18-5 hole nine minutes into the game, allowing the four-time defending WAC regular-season champion Aggies a much greater cushion than they needed. UTEP went to work, reducing the deficit to eight (30-22) at the break. The margin remained eight (53-45) with 7:14 remaining in regulation before the Miners uncorked an 11-3 surge to finally pull even at 56 with 3:03 left. NM State didn't flinch, countering with 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to extend its advantage back to six (62-56). UTEP inched within three (64-61) with 1:08 left but the Aggies put the game away by nailing their eighth and final triple of the contest.Katarina Zec (14 points), Ariona Gill (14 points) and Alexa Hoy (career-high 13 points) joined Puc in double figures for scoring. Neidy Ocuane got involved as well, setting career bests for points (five), rebounds (five) and assists (three).

 

UTEP GRINDS OUT WIN VS. CSUB (AT UTEP 53, CSU BAKERSFIELD 47, 11/14/18)

Zuzanna Puc registered her fifth career double-double (12 points, personal-best tying 12 rebounds), and the defense did the rest in UTEP's 53-47 win against CSU Bakersfield at the Don Haskins Center on Nov. 14. The Miners held the Roadrunners to 28.8 percent (17-59) from the field, while also winning the rebounding battle (46-34) in the tightly-contested ballgame. UTEP outscored CSUB, 19-9, in the final frame to rally back from a four-point deficit (38-34) through 30 minutes of action. There were six ties and eight lead changes, with the final with coming during a 9-0 Miner run in the fourth quarter. The surge, which spanned roughly five minutes, turned a 41-36 deficit into a 45-41 advantage. UTEP never relinquished the lead from that point. The biggest shot was a 3-pointer by Neidy Ocuane, which proved to be the lone triple (1-20) of the game for the Orange and Blue. CSUB did fight back to tie the contest, 47-47, but the Miners pitched a shutout over the final 2:18. Katarina Zec connected on 6-8 at the charity stripe in that sequence to give the home side just enough to pull out the win. Zec finished with nine points and eight boards to support Puc, while Jordan Alexander contributed eight points and a quartet of rebounds. Sophomore Jordan Jenkins added six points and a career-high tying five boards. The Roadrunners were led by 13 points and 12 boards from Malayasia McHenry. CSUB's Alexxus Gilbert and Jazmine Johnson were held to a total of 14 points on a combined 4-16 shooting. The duo entered the contest contributing 29.5 ppg on a combined 22-49 from the floor. 

 

UTEP DOWNS ALCORN STATE IN OPENER (AT UTEP 77, ALCORN STATE 51, 11/10/18)

Zuzanna Puc poured in 18 points to pace a quartet of players in double figures as the UTEP women's basketball team cruised to a 77-51 season-opening win vs. Alcorn State on Nov. 10. Ariona Gill (15 points), Jordan Jenkins (career-high 11 points, six assists) and Katarina Zec (11 points, personal-best tying nine rebounds) also got after it for the Miners. UTEP connected on 52.6 percent (30-57) from the floor, tied for the sixth-best rebounding margin (+27, 48-21) in program history and racked up 23 assists on 30 made field goals. They held ASU to 30.2 percent (16-53) shooting and forced 20 turnovers. Conchi Satorrepitched in five points and a trio of boards in 10 minutes of action to lead the reserves in scoring. The Lady Braves scored the first two points of the contest on a jumper, but UTEP punched back with a 12-0 surge over the next five minutes. The home side never trailed again.

 

BIGGEST WIN UNDER COACH BAKER

UTEP's 26-point romp against Alcorn State served as its largest margin of victory under head coach Kevin Baker. The previous high was a 20-point differential (69-49) vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Nov. 18, 2017.

 

START IT UP

UTEP improved to 25-20 all time in season openers, including 21-7 when doing so in El Paso. The Miners are now 2-0 under Kevin Baker in season lidlifters.