LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The UTEP women's basketball team will take aim at its second straight road rivalry win when it plays at I-25 adversary New Mexico at 6 p.m. MT Sunday (Dec. 19). The Miners are coming off a come-from-behind 82-78 overtime win at I-10 rival NM State on Dec. 15.
 
UTEP enters the contest at 7-1 on the season, marking the second time in the past three years under head coach Kevin Baker that has achieved the feat. Making the win at NM State even more impressive was that two starters fouled out and top scorer Destiny Thurman (16.0 ppg) missed the game with an injury.
 
It will mark the third straight road game for the Orange and Blue, all in the span in less than a week. This one will be the most formidable test. New Mexico is 8-4 on the year, including a perfect 6-0 at home. The Lobos have peeled off eight straight wins at home total dating to 2019-20.
 
The Miners will be relying upon their balanced offensive attack, with six different players putting up at least 7.5 points per game. Thurman sets the tone at 16.0 ppg, followed by standout and all-conference PG Katia Gallegos (13.1 ppg). Teal Battle (9.9 ppg), Avery Crouse (9.0 ppg), Elina Arike (8.3 ppg) and Eliana Cabral (7.5 ppg) have also been getting after it. Overall UTEP is putting up 73.3 points per game.
 
At the other end of the court the Orange and Blue have used pressure defense keep foes to 64.0 ppg. The Miners have controlled the glass (35.3-30.0), with Arike grabbing 7.3 rebounds per game. UTEP has also harassed foes into committing nearly 20 (19.8) turnovers per game.
 
UNM is similar with its balanced approach as it has all five starters in double figures for scoring to help it account for 74.5 points per game. The Lobos allow 63.4 ppg.
 
Fans can listen to Mando Medina call the action on "The Home of UTEP Basketball 600 ESPN El Paso" and the UTEP Miners App. The contest will be streamed on the Mountain West Network, with live stats also available.
 
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For complete coverage of UTEP women's basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPWBB (Twitter),@utepwbb (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.