Game Notes In PDF Format
OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (7-7, 0-2 C-USA) will lock up with Southern Miss (5-8, 1-0 C-USA) inside the Don Haskins Center at 7 p.m. MT Saturday. The Miners were bested by C-USA leading LA Tech, 64-52, in their home league opener on Jan. 6. The Golden Eagles snapped a six-game losing streak in addition to picking up their first road win of the season in a harrowing 74-73 victory at UTSA on Jan. 6. It marked USM's first game since Dec. 21. Jon Teicher (41st year) and Steve Yellen (19th year) will also be on the call, which can be followed on 600 ESPN El Paso, the UTEP Miners App and C-USATV. This is the first of two meetings on the year between the programs, with the Orange and Blue playing their league road finale in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Feb. 19. For tickets, fans may call the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747-UTEP, email tickets@utep.edu, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or in person (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road).
SERIES HISTORY: UTEP LEADS, 19-15
UTEP owns an 19-15 record against Southern Miss, including splitting a pair of match-ups last year with the Eagles. The Miners claimed the most-recent match-up, 77-62, on Jan. 2, 22021. Golden Eagles' head coach Jay Ladner is 2-4 against UTEP (1-3 with Southern Miss and 1-1 with SE Louisiana). Miners' head coach Joe Golding is facing Southern Miss for the initial occasion of his head coaching career but he has coached against Ladner previously when he was at Abilene Christian and Ladner was with SE Louisiana.
TOUGH SLATE TO START LEAGUE PLAY
UTEP is 0-2 in league play with a 13-point setback at UAB (Dec. 30) and a 12-point loss to LA Tech (Jan. 6), but keep in mind that those two schools are a combined 25-6 on the season, including 6-0 in league action. Southern Miss enters Saturday's match-up unbeaten (1-0) in C-USA play as well.
GET TO KNOW SOUTHERN MISS
Southern Miss had its opening weekend of league play wiped out due to Covid-19 issues within the program before halting a six-game losing streak and picking up its first road win of the year in exhilarating fashion, 74-73, against UTSA last time out on Jan. 6. The Golden Eagles hadn't played since Dec. 21 before knocking off the Roadrunners for the first time in at the Convocation Center in San Antonio in program history. USM got off to a 4-2 start on the year only to run into a wall in the form of six consecutive setbacks. Tae Hardy (currently injured) is the leading scorer at 13.7 ppg followed by Isaih Moore (12.0 ppg) and Tyler Stevenson (12.0 ppg). Stevenson grabs 8.2 rebounds per contest to lead the way and nearly average a double-double. USM commits 15.9 fouls per game (sixth C-USA). There have been some issues with it rating last in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (0.84), rebound margin (-1.8), scoring margin (-8.0), scoring offense (62.3) and turnovers per game (15.0). The Golden Eagles are under the direction of Southern Miss alum Jay Ladner (1988), who is in his third year at the helm of the program and eighth season overall at the helm of the program. Notable Southern Miss alumni include Jimmy Buffett (singer, songwriter and actor), Brett Favre (three-time NFL MVP QB & future Hall of Famer) and Robert L. Stewart (former NASA astronaut).
GOING BACK IN TIME (AT UAB 75, UTEP 62, DEC. 30, 2021)
Jamal Bieniemy poured in a game and career-high 28 points and UTEP refused to go away quietly in a 64-52 setback to C-USA leader LA Tech inside the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 6. The Miners kept the Bulldogs to 16 points below their seasonal scoring average (80.1 ppg) entering the contest. Twelve different players appeared in the contest for the Orange and Blue, who were without the services of Keonte Kennedy (13.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.1 spg) and Christian Agnew (5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Furthermore, the Miners utilized their nation-leading 12th different starting line-up in 14 contests. Souley Boum netted eight points and secured a team-best six rebounds. Tydus Verhoeven pitched in five points and four boards while Alfred Hollinshad four and four. LA Tech was paced by Cobe Williams (17 points) and Kenneth Lofton, Jr. (11 points, 18 boards).
TIP-INS FROM THE USM GAME
- Jamal Bieniemy finished 10-21 from the floor, including 6-11 on 3-point shots. All of those set collegiate career bests.
- The two sides combined to misfire on their first 13 shots over the first four-and-a half minutes of the contest.
- UTEP trimmed a once 20-point deficit all the way down to seven before LA Tech held on with a late push.
- Cam Clardy grabbed the second rebound of his career while matching his collegiate bests for 3-pointers attempted (one) and assists (one) in a career-most 10 minutes.
- Ze'Rik Onyema secured a career-high four rebounds in a career-most 12 minutes of action.
CAN'T CATCH A BREAK
Due to injury or illness, the Miners have lost 19 man games already this year (Souley Boum-four, Cam Clardy-three, Tydus Verhoeven-three, Christian Agnew-three, Jamal Bieniemy-two, Alfred Hollins-one, Keonte Kennedy-two). No individual has started in every single contest, and UTEP has used a nation-leading (according to recent NCAA report) 11 different line-up combinations in 13 tilts. At least one starter has missed a game in five straight games and eight contests total this season. Additionally, only Kevin Kalu and Bonke Maring have appeared in all 13 contests this year out of the 15 Miners on the roster.
LOCK DOWN ON DEFENSE
UTEP has kept nine of its past 11 opponents to at least five points below their scoring average entering the contest, including most recently LA Tech to 64 points (80.1 ppg entering). Those nine foes have been held to a total of 104 points combined under the expected output, which works out to 11.5 fewer points per game by the opposition across the board.
ON THIS DATE IN UTEP HISTORY
UTEP plays a three-overtime game at UAB in an eventual 100-97 setback on Jan. 8, 2011..
ALL ABOUT THE FANS
UTEP is averaging 4,726 fans per home game thus far in 2021-22, which trails only the seasonal home average of 5,383 for ODU among C-USA programs. Additionally, the Miners have been forced to play in front of an average of 7,388 fans on the road but are 2-3 on the road. That is the fourth-highest road attendance average of any Conference USA member.
SCORING STREAK
Souley Boum (66), Keonte Kennedy (36) and Jamal Bieniemy (14) all have scoring streaks of at least 10 games Furthermore, Kennedy is at a career-long five for double-digit streaks. Boum's 22-contest streak with double figures was snapped against LA Tech on Jan. 6.
MIX AND MATCH
UTEP has used 12 starting line-ups in 14 games, the most combinations nationally according to a report compiled by the NCAA. Overall, 11 different Miners (our of 15 on the roster) have started. Injuries, illnesses and Covid-19 protocols have played a big factor in the mix and match this season. It's a huge change from a year ago when the Miners utilized two starting line-ups with a total of six different players starting on the season. In 2019-20 there were eight, seven in 2018-19, 17 in 2017-18, eight in 2016-17 and 14 in 2015-16.
CRASH THAT GLASS
UTEP has been getting to the offensive boards, pulling down 10.2 offensive rebounds per contest, with Tydus Verhoeven (1.9 orpg) leading the way. Keonte Kennedy (1.2 orpg) and Jamari Sibley (1.2 orpg) also account for at least 1.0 offensive board per game.
ALL ABOUT THOSE POINTS
UTEP eclipsed 70 in each of the first four contests for the first time in six years. It also has a trio of 80+ point efforts, helping it put up 70.0 points per game. Guards Souley Boum (18.7 ppg), Jamal Bieniemy (13.8 ppg) and Keonte Kennedy (13.3 ppg) and are all in double figures for scoring average. The last time UTEP had a player account for at least 20.0 ppg was in 2008-09 (Stephon Jackson), something Boum is 1.3 ppg shy of currently doing. Jorell Saterfield (7.5 ppg), Christian Agnew (5.7 ppg) and Jamari Sibley (5.2 ppg) are also above 5.0 ppg.
THE BENCH BUNCH
UTEP's reserves have outscored the opposition in 10 of the 14 contests on the season, with the Miners sporting a +46 (318-240) differential in the area.
TURN IT OVER
UTEP is third in Conference USA and 36th in the country by forcing 16.5 turnovers per game, which is aided by coming up with 8.4 steals per game (fourth C-USA/53rd NCAA). Keonte Kennedy (2.1 spg-fourth C-USA/44th NCAA) and Jamal Bieniemy (1.9 spg-seventh C-USA/75th NCAA) have been the catalysts.
THAT'S A GOOD MARGIN
UTEP has caused 16+ turnovers eight times on the year while committing 14 or less on nine occasions. Furthermore, the Miners have made the same or fewer amount of turnovers compared to the opposition in 11 of the 14 games this year. The result is a +3.8 turnover margin (second C-USA/35th NCAA). UTEP is making 12.7 turnovers per game (seventh C-USA) while forcing 16.5 (third C-USA/36th NCAA). Overall, the Orange and Blue have outscored the opponents by 57 points (227-170) for points off turnover this season.
THEY ARE CALLED FREE THROWS FOR A REASON
UTEP is taking care of business at the charity stripe, connecting on 75.8 percentage at the line (second C-USA/41st NCAA). Six different Miners have hit at least 70 percent from the charity stripe this year, with Souley Boum setting the tone at 84.9 percent. He is 62 (second C-USA/25th NCAA) for 73 (third C-USA/49th NCAA) overall.
KNOCK THINGS DOWN
The Miners have shot better than 40 percent seven times thus far in 2021-22. They head into Saturday's outing at 40.4 percent from the floor. Freshmen Kevin Kalu (52.6 percent) and Jamari Sibley (52.1 percent) are both above 50.0 percent (min. 15 FGA) to lead the way.
WIN BIG
All seven victories for UTEP have been by at least eight points, including five by double figures.
NOTHING STOPS SOULEY
Souley Boum has dealt with both a broken finger on his non-shooting hand (missed one game), Covid-19 protocols (missed two games) and illness (missed one game) but he continues to produce. He is pouring in 18.7 ppg, which would be third in C-USA if he had played in at least 75 percent of the contests. Boum also paces the Miners and is among the C-USA and NCAA leaders for free throws made (62-second C-USA/25th NCAA) and attempted (71-second C-USA/49th NCAA).
JB'S WORLD
Jamal Bieniemy reached double figures in scoring in the first seven games of the season, eclipsing his prior effort of four that he achieved in nonconference play last year. That streak was halted when he had just 11 minutes of action at No. 8 Kansas due to an injury. Bieniemy missed the ensuing two games with injuries before returning to play at the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. He took a huge step forward with a career night against LA Tech last time out, setting collegiate bests for points (28), field goals made (10) and attempted (21) and 3-pointers made (six) and attempted (11). Overall, he has paced UTEP in scoring five times this year after doing so a trio of occasions in 2020-21, and tops the teams in assists per game (3.3 apg).
KEONTE DOES IT ALL
Keonte Kennedy was having a career year before sustaining an injury against Bradley that has forced him to miss consecutive contests. He leads the team in rebounding (5.9 rebounds per game) and steals (2.1 steals per game while rating third on the squad in scoring (13.3 points per game). He has started all but one game he has appeared in (11 of 12), and is playing 34.0 mpg (second on team).
SATERFIELD FROM DOWNTOWN
Jorell Saterfield is proving to be a big-time threat whether he's starting or is coming off the bench. That is especially true from 3-point range. The Ranger College transfer is leading the team in 3-point percentage (min. 30 3FGA), nailing 44.9 percent (22-49). He has made 22 three-point shots and 13 two-point field goals.
KALU NETS FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
UTEP forward Kevin Kalu was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Dec. 20. He became the first Miner to claim the honor since Jordan Lathon did during the 2018-19 season (Feb. 25, 2019). The Baltimore, Md., product came alive with career highs in points (eight) and assists (two) while adding four rebounds to help hold off upset-minded McNeese, 82-72, on Dec. 16. Kalu played 25 minutes and didn't miss a shot from the field (2-2) or at the charity stripe (4-4).
TALKING 20+ POINT GAMES
Souley Boum has five 20+ point games this season and 31 in his career between San Fransisco and UTEP. Jamal Bieniemyhas surpassed 20 points three times in 2021-22, surpassing his total (two) from 24 contests a year ago.
MILESTONE TRACKER
Souley Boum (started at San Francisco) has surpassed 1,000 points in a UTEP uniform (1,049), becoming the first Miner to join the club in five years and 35th overall. For his career he now has a total of 1,443 points while appearing in 102 games (66 at UTEP). Christian Agnew (started at North Alabama) is on the verge of 900 points for his collegiate career (895). Jamal Bieniemy (started at Oklahoma) is closing in quickly on 700 career points (692) for his college career, including 363 at UTEP. He's also eclipsed 300 assists (338) for his college career, including 132 helpers at UTEP and played his 100th career collegiate game against LA Tech (82nd at UTEP). Alfred Hollins (started at Oregon State) has moved beyond 500 career points (551) and surpassed 100 career games played (108). Tydus Verhoeven (started at Duquesne) has more than 300 rebounds (328) for his collegiate career, with the most at UTEP (222) while also surpassing 100 career blocks (116).
THE BASIC FACTS ON UTEP
- This is the 101st season of UTEP men's basketball. The Miners made history by starting five African-Americans to defeat Kentucky, 72-65, and win the 1966 NCAA Championship on the way to inspiring the Disney hit movie Glory Road. Overall UTEP has 17 NCAA Tournament appearances (last in 2010), 11 NIT bids (last in 2015), 12 conference championships (last in 2010) and 26 seasons with at least 20+ victories (last in 2015).
- UTEP is 7-7 in 2021-22. There are 17 home games (5-4 thus far) and 13 road contests (2-2 thus far) prior to the C-USA Championships (March 8-12, 2022).
- The Miners returned four starters (Jamal Bieniemy, Souley Boum, Keonte Kennedy and Tydus Verhoeven) and eight lettermen overall. Other returning lettermen are Christian Agnew, Cam Clardy, Gilles Dekoninck and Ze'Rik Onyema.Emmanuel White, who redshirted, also came back.
- UTEP has six newcomers: Kezza Giffa, Alfred Hollins, Kevin Kalu, Bonke Maring, Jorell Saterfield and Jamari Sibley.
- The Miners brought back four of their five leading scorers from 2020-21 in the form of Souley Boum (18.8 ppg), Keonte Kennedy (8.6 ppg), Jamal Bieniemy (8.6 ppg) and Christian Agnew (6.1 ppg).
COMING SOON TO EL PASO
JUCO standout Jon Dos Anjos (nationally-ranked Florida SouthWestern State) has signed a national letter of intent to enroll at UTEP and play for the men's basketball team beginning in 2022-23. Dos Anjos will have two years of eligibility for the Miners. He was a first-team all-league performer for the Bucs in 2020-21, helping them go 18-5 and advance to the semifinals of the FCSAA State Tournament. He averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds while playing in all 23 games, including 20 starts.
GOLDING ERA UNDERWAY
Joe Golding has embarked on his first season with UTEP, and as the 20th head coach in program history. He is the eighth head coach for the Miners since legendary Hall of Fame Coach Don Haskins retired following the 1998-99 season. Golding is 165-151 in his 11th season as a collegiate head coach, including 7-7 at UTEP. He spent 10 years at ACU (158-144), helping it transition from a Division II to a Division I program. Golding led the Wildcats to the past two NCAA Tournaments played, including a stunning upset as a 14-seed of third-seeded Texas in the first round of the 2021 Big Dance.
LOOKING TO JOIN AN EXCLUSIVE GROUP
First-year head coach Joe Golding (7-7 thus far) is hoping to be part of an exclusive group at UTEP. Of the previous 19 head coaches at UTEP, only three have put together a winning season in their first year on the sidelines in the Sun City. Don Haskins became the first when he directed the Miners to a mark of 18-6 in 1961-62. Doc Sadler (27-8, 2004-05) and Tim Floyd (25-10, 2010-11) also achieved the feat. Overall, the prior 19 head coaches have combined to forge an average record of 9-13 in their first year with UTEP.
EXPERIENCED STAFF
The Miners have an experienced staff on the sidelines for the 2021-22 season, each of whom are in their first year in the Sun City. Between head coach Joe Golding (22 years), associate head coach Jeremy Cox (30 years) and assistant coaches Butch Pierre (37 years) and Earl Boykins (eight years), the Miner coaching staff has a combined 97 years of experience at coaches at 26 different stops along the way at varying levels of competition. Boykins is the least experienced in terms of coaching, but he's the most accomplished on the court after playing 12 seasons in the NBA.
PRESEASON HONORS
Souley Boum was tabbed a Preseason All-Conference honoree, it was announced before the season by the Conference USA office. A 2021 All C-USA third team member, Boum ranked third in C-USA in scoring (18.8 ppg) and fifth in the league in total points (450). He also paced the conference and was 15th in the country with 130 made free throws. Boum knocked down his free throws at a rate of 81.2 percent, which was good enough for eighth in C-USA. He also led UTEP in steals (34) and dished out 60 assists.
PRESEASON PREMONITIONS
UTEP was predicted to finish 10th in Conference USA, according to the preseason poll that was announced prior to the season by the league office. UAB (190 points) was slated first, followed by LA Tech (second-184 points), WKU (third-162 points), Marshall (fourth-147 points), Old Dominion (fifth-130 points), North Texas (sixth-124 points), Charlotte (seventh-110 points), Rice (eighth-104 points), Florida Atlantic (ninth-84 points), UTEP (10th-82 points), UTSA (11th-48 points), Southern Miss (12th-42 points), FIU (13th-36 points) and Middle Tennessee (14th-28 points).
LOOKING TO REGAIN WINNING WAYS IN C-USA
UTEP (0-2) thus far in C-USA play) entered the 2022 league slate in search of its first winning record in Conference USA play since 2017 when the Miners went 12-6 in the league to finish tied for third. That year capped a run of five straight seasons with winning marks in conference action, the longest since 11 straight such efforts under Don Haskins from 1980-90.
UP NEXT
UTEP will head to the Eastern Time Zone to battle Charlotte at 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET on Thursday (Jan. 13). Jon Teicher (41st year) will be on the call, which can be followed on 600 ESPN El Paso and the UTEP Miners App. It will also be streamed on ESPN+. For tickets, fans may call the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747-UTEP, email tickets@utep.edu,visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or in person (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road).
