Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (6-2) will put its three-game winning streak on the line when it plays at perennial ACC power Louisville (5-4) inside the KFC Yum! Center (22,090) at 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET Wednesday. The Miners are coming off an 88-72 vanquishing of top-100 NET program Seattle U on Dec. 7. The short-handed Cardinals, who have eight scholarship players currently healthy, sustained their third consecutive loss in the form of a 76-65 setback against No. 9 Duke on Dec. 8. Louisville (NET ranking 62) had been receiving votes (27, on Dec. 2) in the AP poll before falling against the Blue Devils. The UofL is 3-3 at home, with a defeat at the hands of now No. 1 Tennessee (77-55, Nov. 9). and the other loss vs. Ole Miss (L, 86-63, Dec. 3). The Cardinals had an average scoring margin of +31.7 in a trio of home victories against Morehead State, Bellarmine and Winthrop. Louisville has played a ridiculous schedule, which is the 11th toughest in the country according to the NET rankings. The Miners are 1-1 on the road, having fallen at Utah Valley, 89-60, in the second game of the year on Nov. 9 before toppling UC Santa Barbara, 79-76, inside the Thunderdome on Nov. 20. The win against the Gauchos dropped them to 42-4 in nonconference games at home since the beginning of the 2017-18 season. The contest at the UofL is the third and final nonconference road tilt on the docket for the Miners. Following the game, UTEP will have seven straight inside the Don Haskins Center. That includes the first three league contests, something that hasn't occurred since the 1991-92 campaign when the Orange and Blue were members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).  Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso, with audio available on the UTEP Miners App as well. It will also be streamed on ESPN+ and ACC Extra (subscription required), with Jody Demling and Larry O'Bannon describing the action.
 
KEY STATS TO WATCH
UTEP leads the nation in turnovers forced per game (20.3) and steals per game (12.1) while Louisville is 38th (15.6) and 99th (8.0), respectively. The Cardinals attempt 31.6 triples per game (first ACC/seventh NCAA), but they are 331st in the country in 3-point percentage (28.2). The Miners are 19th nationally at knocking down treys (39.7 percent), with NCAA leader Ahamad Bynum (63.3 percent) playing a huge role. UTEP does attempt just 19.5 triples per game (311th NCAA).
 
SERIES HISTORY: FIRST MEETING
Wednesday's matchup is the first between the programs. It is also the initial road matchup against an ACC program in school history.
 
GET TO KNOW LOUISVILLE (5-4, 3-3 HOME, 0-0 AWAY, 2-1 NEUTRAL)
Louisville is under the direction of head coach Pat Kelsey, who took over the program after successful runs at both the College of Charleston (72-27, two NCAA Tourney appearances) and Winthrop (186-95, two NCAA Tournament bids). He claimed a combined 11 conference championships at the schools and has strung together 11 consecutive winning seasons. Louisville stormed out of the gates at 5-1, with the lone loss early on against now No. 1 Tennessee, 77-55, on Nov. 9. The Cardinals knocked off both No. 14 Indiana (W, 89-61) and West Virginia (W, 79-70, ot) in the Battle 4 Atlantis before falling in the title tilt to Oklahoma, 69-64, on Nov. 29. The setback marked the start of a current three-game skid for the UofL, which was bested, 86-63, by Ole Miss before falling last time out to No. 9 Duke, 76-65, in its ACC opener on Dec. 8. Louisville led early by 14 in the contest before running out of steam. The Cardinals have been hit hard by injuries this year and enter the matchup with the Miners with only eight healthy scholarship players. Kasean Pryon, who is second on the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg) and third in scoring (12.0), tore his ACL vs. the Sooners. Starting forward Aboubacar Traore is recovering from a broken arm while back-up point guard Koren Johnson's shoulder injury has him out for the campaign. Aly Khalifa and Kobe Rodgers are both sitting out as medical redshirts. It was a fresh start for the school this season, which is one of five programs in the NCAA to have returned 0% of its scoring, rebounding and minutes played. The only returnee was a walk-on. According to On3, Louisville boasted the No. 1 transfer class in the nation to assemble a roster for this season. Wisconsin transfer Chucky Hepburn, who amassed more than 1,100 points, 300 assists and 150 steals in three years with the Badgers, sets the tone for the squad by leading it in scoring (14.3 ppg-17th ACC), assists (4.6-seventh ACC/95th NCAA), steals (3.2-first ACC/second NCAA) and minutes per game (31.4-19th ACC). Three-point specialist Reyne Smith, who played for Kelsey for three years at College of Charleston, is second on the squad at 12.6 points per game. Almost all (81 of 90) of his field-goal attempts have come from distance. His 3.4 treys per game lead the ACC and are 20th nationally. Terrence Edwards Jr., the 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year with James Madison, is also in double figures for scoring (11.9 ppg). J'Vonne Hadley, a transfer from Colorado, paces the squad in rebounding (7.6 rpg- 10th ACC) while adding 9.6 ppg. Overall, the UofL is pouring in 76.0 ppg, aided by knocking down 8.9 3-pointers per game (third ACC/97th NCAA). The Cardinals are also in the league and national leaders for bench scoring (27.4 ppg (fifth/81st), free throws made (15.6-seventh/95th) and attempted (22.0-seventh/84th) per game, offensive boards per game (13.1-second/59th), steals per game (8.0-fourth/99th), 3-pointers attempted per game (31.6-first/seventh) and turnovers forced per game (15.6-second/38th). The program has a rich history which ranks in the top-15 all-time in winning percentage, aided by winning seasons in 73 of the past 79 years. That includes 20+victory efforts 18 out of the past 22 campaigns. The Cardinals boast eight Final Four appearances (tied for eighth nationally) and won the national championship in 1980 and 1986. They have made 39 appearances (tied eighth in the NCAA). Notable alumni include Frank Minnifield (former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl defensive back and co-creator of the "Dawg Pound", Frank Neuhauser (won first National Spelling Bee), Mitch McConnell (U.S. Senator and Majority Leader (R), Kentucky) and Lamar Jackson (2X NFL MVP with the Baltimore Ravens).
 
OPPORTUNITY AGAINST A POWER PROGRAM
UTEP, which knocked off then Pac-12 member Cal, 75-72 last year, in a neutral-site contest thanks to a Tae Hardy buzzer beater in the SoCal Classic on Nov. 20, 2023, will be taking aim at its second victory against a power conference program under Joe Golding. The Miners will also be searching for their first road win against a p5 member since dispatching then Pac-12 program Arizona State, 76-63, in Tempe, Ariz., on Dec. 16, 2020.
 
LOOKING BACK
UTEP roared past defending CBI champion Seattle U, 88-72, to notch its third straight victory on Dec. 7. Otis Frazier III stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, a team-high five assists and four rebounds to lead the charge, but he had plenty of help. Kevin Kalu tied his career high for points (13), doing on 5-6 shooting, while matching his career best for blocked shots (two). Ahamad Bynum poured in 19 points in just 18 minutes while shooting 7-9 from the floor, including a perfect 2-2 showing from distance by the top 3-point shooter by percentage in the country. Derick Hamilton also made his presence felt as a reserve, tallying 12 points (5-6, FG) while snagging a squad-best five rebounds. Corey Camper Jr. netted eight points and dished out four assists while KJ Thomas pitched in seven points off the pine.
 
WHAT A RUN
UTEP uncorked a 24-2 run to turn a 6-5 edge into a whopping 30-7 advantage. The Miners made 9-13 (69.2 percent) of their shots from the floor during the stretch. At the other end of the floor, Seattle U was just 1-10 (10.0 percent). The Redhawks also had six turnovers during the surge.
 
HUGE HALFTIME LEAD
The Miners led Seattle U by 25 (48-23) at the break. That marked the largest advantage vs. a Division I opponent for the program through 20 minutes of action since also being up by 25 (40-15) against Southern Miss (40-15) on Jan. 10, 2015.
 
PILING UP THE POINTS
UTEP's 88 points vs. Seattle U are its most against a DI opponent this year, with 48 of those coming in the opening half.
 
SHARP SHOOTING AND PLENTY OF SHARING
UTEP drilled 56.1 percent (32-57) from the floor against Seattle U, its best effort against a DI opponent this year. That included a readout of 41.2 percent (7-17) from distance. Unselfish play proved big, with the Orange and Blue assisting on more than half (18 of 32) of their made field goals. The 18 helpers are the most vs. a DI opponent this campaign for UTEP.
 
THRIVED AT THE LINE
The Miners were practically perfect at the charity stripe, setting a season high by knocking down 89.5 percent (17-19). That marked the Miners' best effort at line (minimum 10 attempts) since drilling 92.3 percent (12-13) against Southern Utah in The Basketball Classic on March 22, 2022.
 
BIG MAN POWER
Kevin Kalu (career-high tying 13 points) and Derick Hamilton (12 points) both reached double figures in scoring in the win vs. Seattle U, marking the first time the duo has done so in the same contest. The 25 combined points is the highest total between the pairing in three years as teammates, surpassing a previous best of 21 against USAO (Science & Arts of Oklahoma) on Nov. 9, 2023.
 
KALU'S SCORING NUMBERS UP
Kevin Kalu averaged 3.2 points per game through his first three seasons, but he is putting up 5.1 ppg through eight games in 2024-25. He has produced a pair of double-digit scoring efforts this year after doing so twice over 91 games played through his junior campaign.
 
HOME, SWEET HOME
The 88-72 win against Seattle U on Dec. 7 marked the start of a stretch with eight of nine at home. The only contest not in the Sun City in that timeframe will be Wednesday's match-up at Louisville. Following the matchup vs. the Cardinals, the Miners return home to challenge Tarleton State as part of the CUSA/WAC Challenge (Dec. 16) while also competing at the annual WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational (Dec. 20-21). A contest vs. Northern New Mexico (Dec. 28) will wrap up nonconference play. The Miners will then have their first three league games at home, including the Battle of I-10 on Jan. 11.  
 
FRENETIC DEFENSE SETTING TONE
UTEP's pressure defense is paying dividends once again in 2024-25, with the Orange and Blue leading the nation in both steals per game (12.1) and turnovers forced per contest (20.3). The Miners have been relatively consistent throughout the contest, with foes committing 11.3 tpg in the first half and 9.0 tpg in the second half. UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season.
 
STARTING TO LOCK IN
The Miners' first three Division I opponents all shot better than 50 percent from the floor, but UTEP has made that trend a thing of the past since that point. The past three DI foes have made a combined 38.6 percent (54-140). The result has been a scoring defense of 58.0, a huge improvement (28.7) from the 78.7 ppga vs. UTEP's first three DI foes. The Miners' 65.4 scoring defense is second in CUSA and 52nd nationally.
 
NOT MANY LEAD CHANGES AROUND
There have been four lead changes total through eight games on the season, with three of those coming during the first half of the Miners' eventual 70-44 win vs. Long Beach State on Nov. 26. The only other was last time out when UTEP vaulted ahead after trailing Seattle U, 3-0, in an 88-72 triumph. There have also been just a trio of ties this year (one each at UCSB, San Jose State, Long Beach State).
 
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER ON OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 13.6 ppg-14th CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 12.9 ppg-17th CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-12.1 ppg-19th CUSA and Devon Barnes-10.4 ppg-tied 24th CUSA) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one play.
 
UNSELFISH PLAY
Part of the reason for the balanced offensive attack has been UTEP making the extra pass. The Miners have recorded an assist on 56.3 percent (117-208) of their field goals.  Otis Frazier III (3.5 apg-ninth CUSA) and Corey Camper Jr. (3.1 apg-11th CUSA) are both dishing out better than 3.0 helpers per contest. It's still early, but the last time that UTEP had multiple players finish the year doing so was in 2015-16 (Dominic Artis, 5.2 apg and Lee Moore, 3.5 apg)
 
FRAZIER III DOING IT ALL
Otis Frazier III has been picking apart defenses in 2024-25. He has double-digit scoring efforts in six of the eight contests, which helps him pace the Miners in scoring (13.6 ppg-14th CUSA). The senior also leads UTEP in assists (3.5-ninth CUSA), blocks (1.0-eighth CUSA), and is fourth in steals (1.8-ninth CUSA).
 
CAN'T CONTAIN COREY
Corey Camper Jr. has been a handful for the opposition at both ends of the court this year. He tops the team in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8-third CUSA/57th NCAA), free-throw percentage (92.0-second CUSA/33rd NCAA), minutes played (31.0-eighth CUSA) and steals (2.9-first CUSA/ninth NCAA) while rating second on the squad for scoring (12.9 ppg-17th CUSA). Furthermore, he's the lone Miner to record at least one steal and one assist in all eight tilts.
 
SIMPLY THE BEST
Ahamad Bynum has put on a dazzling shooting display in 2024-25, leading the nation at 63.3 percent (19-30) from 3-point range. He has connected on at least two 3-pointers in five of his seven contests played this year. The JUCO All-American transfer's 2.7 triples per game are fifth in CUSA and just outside the top 100 (105th) in the country. He is averaging 12.1 ppg (19th CUSA) to pace UTEP reserves and sit third overall on the squad while logging only 20.4 minutes per game. The majority of his shots (30 of 51) have come from distance.
 
DT SETTLING IN
David Terrell Jr., the 2024 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, is settling into a starting role as a sophomore. He is pitching in 6.4 points per game, 2.0 rebounds per contest, 1.9 assists per game and 1.7 steals per contest (tied sixth CUSA) while logging 25.4 minutes per game. An area of concern has been topping the team in both fouls (26) and foul outs (two).
 
BARNES BACK HOME
Tarleton State transfer Devon Barnes chose UTEP in part because he lived in the Sun City from kindergarten through fifth grade while his dad was stationed at Ft. Bliss. He has settled in nicely, tallying 10.4 ppg (tied 40th CUSA) to go along with 1.8 steals per game (fifth CUSA). He has drilled 12 triples (second on the team). Barnes paces the squad in both free throws made (29) and attempted (36) for a readout of 80.6 percent (sixth CUSA).
 
SWATTING SHOTS
UTEP heads into the matchup at Louisville with 4.0 blocks per game, putting it just outside the top 100 nationally (104th). The Miners have blocked at least five shots four times. They had six total such shots contests with at least five rejections during the entire 2023-24 season.
 
HITTING THE OFFENSIVE BOARDS FINALLY
After failing to reach double figures in offensive boards in any of the first five games (averaged 7.0 during the stretch), the Miners have come up with a total of 34 (11.3 avg) the past three tilts. UTEP has 10+ offensive rebounds in each of those contests, including a season-high 13 against Long Beach State (Nov. 26). It even had 10 last time out vs. Seattle U despite shooting 56.1 percent, its best effort vs. a DI opponent on the year.
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DIGIT STEALS UNDER GOLDING
UTEP has produced 45 games with at least 10 steals under head coach Joe Golding, including doing so five of the eight contests this year. The Miners had 16 vs. Long Beach State (Nov. 26), the most vs. a DI nonconference foe since they piled up 18 vs. in a 93-56 romp of Norfolk State at the Haskins Center on Dec. 28, 2008. To put the 44 tilts with 10+ thefts into perspective, consider that the Miners amassed 48 such contests in the previous 14 seasons combined prior to Golding's arrival.
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
Given UTEP's ability to pressure the ball and come away with steals thus far in 2024-25, it is not a surprise to see that the Miners are leading the country at 12.1 steals per contest.
 
COMING AT YOU FROM EVERY ANGLE
There's not just one player that teams have be aware of when it comes to the Miners' pressure defense that leads the country in both steals per game (12.1) and turnovers forced per game (20.3). UTEP accounts for four of the top 10 in the CUSA ratings for steals. Corey Camper Jr. is first in the league at 2.9 spg (ninth NCAA), followed by Devon Barnes (1.8-fifth CUSA), David Terrell Jr. at 1.7 spg (sixth CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (1.6-tied ninth CUSA).
 
KNOCKING DOWN SHOTS
Four different Miners are filling up at least 50.0 percent from the floor (min. 15 FGA), with Kevin Kalu leading the way at 65.4 percent (17-26). Derick Hamilton (17-29, 58.6 percent), Ahamad Bynum (29-51, 56.9 percent) and David Terrell Jr. (19-34, 56.9 percent) round out the list.
 
DEEP THREAT
The Miners sit second in CUSA and 19th in the nation from 3-point range at 39.7 percent (62-156). UTEP has connected on at least seven treys five times this year, including in three straight contests for the first time since the final three contests of the 2022-23 campaign. NCAA 3-point percentage leader Ahamad Bynum leads the way at a staggering 63.3 percent (19-30). Devon Barnes (12-32) and Trey Horton III (10-33) also have 10+ makes from beyond-the-arc.
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
UTEP has made equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in five of the eight contests this season. The result has been the Miners connecting on 62-156 (39.7 percent-second CUSA/19th NCAA) compared to a readout of 53-151 (35.1 percent) by the opposition. It's an improvement from last year when UTEP (194-609, 31.9 percent) and its opponents (194-608, 31.9 percent) were practically even in the department. Compared to how UTEP stood two years ago, it is night and day. In 2022-23, Miner foes finished 214-643 (33.3 percent) while the Miners made just 158-337 (29.4 percent).
 
ALMOST PERFECT AT THE LINE
Corey Camper Jr. was a solid free throw shooter in his first year with the Miners, connecting on 71.2 percent (52-73). He has made tremendous strides as a senior, having made 23-25 (92.0 percent, second CUSA/33rd NCAA).
 
TERRIFIC TRIO AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
Corey Camper Jr. (23-25, 92.0 percent-second CUSA/33rd NCAA), Otis Frazier III (28-33, 84.8 percent, third CUSA) and Devon Barnes (29-36, 80.6 percent, sixth CUSA) give the Miners three of the top six free throw shooters in Conference USA. UTEP is third in CUSA at 74.0 percent and just outside the top-100 nationally (108th).
 
CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE
UTEP's pressure is causing fits for opponents. The Miners head into the tilt at Louisville leading the country in both steals per game (12.1 spg) and turnovers forced per game (20.3). That success in those departments isn't surprising with what happened last year. The Miners led the country in turnovers forced per game (18.7 tpg) while also setting a program record for total turnovers forced (636) in 2023-24. They also established a school standard for total steals (389) last year, which were the second most ever by a CUSA program since the league's inception, while producing a nation-best 11.4 spg.
 
RUN, UTEP, RUN
UTEP's pressure defense has led to plenty of opportunities in transition, and the Miners have taken advantage of the situation. They are producing 15.6 fastbreak points per game, which is first in CUSA and 29th nationally.
 
SHARING IS CARING
UTEP has been credited with an assist on 56.3 percent (117-208) of its field goals, helping it average 75.8 points per game. Otis Frazier III (3.5 apg-ninth 10th CUSA), who also tops the team in scoring at 13.6 ppg (14th CUSA), leads the charge with setting up his teammates. Corey Camper Jr., who is second in scoring at 12.9 ppg (12th CUSA), also passes the rock well with 3.1 assists per contest (11th CUSA). Camper Jr. has a stellar +2.8 (25-9) assist-to-turnover ratio (third CUSA/58th NCAA).
 
SPREADING THE PLAYING TIME
Head coach Joe Golding has done a fine job of spreading the wealth with playing time, with 10 different Miners (min. five games played) averaging at least 10.0 minutes per game. Corey Camper Jr. (31.0 mpg, eighth CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (27.3 mpg) and David Terrell Jr. (25.4 mpg) are all above 25.0 mpg. Devon Barnes (23.1), Ahamad Bynum (20.4 mpg), Trey Horton III (18.6 mpg), Kevin Kalu (17.6 mpg), KJ Thomas (11.5 mpg), Derick Hamilton  (11.1 mpg) and Baylor Hebb (10.6 mpg) round out the list.
 
AN OFFSEASON TO REMEMBER
UTEP had a special offseason to help prepare for the year, which included a foreign tour in The Bahamas, an intra-squad scrimmage in Juárez, an 111-62 exhibition win vs. Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH) on Oct. 19 and a charity exhibition 74-70 setback at New Mexico on Oct. 28. The game in Chihuahua was the first preseason scrimmage in Mexico in program history.
 
EVERY ELIGIBLE GUY CAME BACK
UTEP brought back three starters (Corey Camper Jr., Otis Frazier III and Kevin Kalu) and all eight eligible scholarship players (Camper Jr., Frazier III, Derick Hamilton, Baylor Hebb, Trey Horton III, Elijah Jones, Kalu, David Terrell Jr.) from last year's team that piled up 18 wins and advanced to the program's first Conference USA Tournament Championship contest since 2011. The Miners also have redshirts Antwonne Holmes and Babacar Mbengue.
 
NEWCOMERS IN THE HOUSE
JUCO All-American Ahamad Bynum, Tarleton State transfer Devon Barnes, three-star HS recruit KJ Thomas and JUCO Region XIV regular-season champion DaCannon Wickware joined the Miners in the offseason. El Paso native and JUCO transfer Jordan Thomas and freshman Raijon Dispensa are also new to UTEP, with each set to redshirt this season.
 
AWARD CENTRAL
UTEP brought back the 2024 Conference USA Freshman of the Year David Terrell Jr., along with fellow 2024 CUSA All-Freshman team members Trey Horton III and Elijah Jones. Otis Frazier III, who was a member of the 2024 CUSA All-Defensive team and a CUSA Honorable-Mention honoree, was tabbed to the 2024-25 CUSA Preseason Team.
 
THE BEST FANS IN CONFERENCE USA
UTEP has led Conference USA in attendance for either total number of fans or average attendance for three straight years. Last year, the Miners had a league-best 85,566 fans pass through the turnstiles while averaging 4,754 fans (second in the conference). Thus far in 2024-25, UTEP is at 4,189 fans (second in CUSA).
 
HOME COOKING
UTEP entered the 2024-25 campaign having ripped off at least 10 wins at home in five straight years. The Orange and Blue were 13-5 at the Bear's Den last year, including winning the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational for the first time under head coach Joe Golding. UTEP is 3-0 in El Paso this year, with a pair of DII victories (W, 102-55 vs. Sul Ross State, Nov. 4, and UTPB, 78-58, Nov. 12) and a 16-point triumph (78-62) against Seattle U on Dec. 7. UTEP's largest deficit at home has been three, when it trailed 3-0 against the Redhawks.
 
PRESEASON PREMONITIONS
UTEP was predicted to finish tied for fifth in the Conference USA preseason poll, as voted upon the league's 10 head coaches. It was a relatively close poll, with only 25 points separating the first six teams. LA Tech (87) was tabbed the favorite, followed by WKU (85), Sam Houston (83), Middle Tennessee (69), Liberty (62) and UTEP (62). NM State (39-seventh), Jax State (29-eighth), FIU (17-tied ninth) and Kennesaw State (17-tied ninth). LA Tech (three), Sam Houston (three), WKU (two), Middle Tennessee (one) and Liberty (one) all received at least one first-place vote.
 
A YEAR IN REVIEW
-    Finished the year at 18-16 for the second winning seasons in three years under head coach Joe Golding.
-    Made the program's first appearance in the conference tournament championship contest since 2011.
-    Beat the No. 1 seed Sam Houston in the semifinals, the Miners' first win against a top seed at the league tournament since the 1993 WAC Championships.
-    Became the first team in school history to come back from double-digit deficits to win consecutive contests in a league tournament. UTEP overcame a 12-point deficit vs. Liberty while roaring back from 14 against Sam Houston.
-    Won multiple games at the CUSA tournament for the first time since 2011.
-    Became the lowest seed in school history to advance to the championship contest of the league tournament.
-    Won a game at the league tournament by two points or less for the first time since 1992 after ousting top seed Sam Houston
-    Led the nation in both steals per game and turnovers forced per game.
-    Set school record for total steals and total turnovers forced. UTEP's 389 total steals are the second most ever by a CUSA program since the league's inception.
-    Tae Hardy earned All-District and All-CUSA honors.
-    UTEP had three of the five players on the CUSA All-Freshman Team, including Freshman of the Year David Terrell Jr. Terrell Jr. was joined on the All-Freshman squad by Trey Horton III and Elijah Jones
-    Otis Frazier III was All-CUSA Honorable-Mention and voted to the CUSA All-Defensive Team, the first selection to the squad for UTEP since 2015.
-    Won the 2023 Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational for the first time under head coach Joe Golding.
 
THE BASIC FACTS ON UTEP'S PROGRAM
-    This is the 104th 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.
-    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). The Miners have won five league tournaments (last in 2005).
-    The Miners have a strong presence in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with Don Haskins, Nate Archibald, Nolan Richardson, the 1966 team and Tim Hardaway all representing UTEP.
 
GET TO KNOW COACH GOLDING
Joe Golding is in his fourth year at UTEP, and he is 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 216-194 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 58-50 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is on his way to another at 6-2 thus far in 2024-25. Golding is six victories shy of passing Marshall Pennington (63-83, 1937-43) to move into fifth place on the school's career charts. In 2021-22 he became the fourth head coach (20 total) in program history to have a winning season in their first year on the sideline. Don Haskins was 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 combined to forge an average record of 9-13 in their first year with UTEP. Previously Golding spent 10 years at Abilene Christian (158-144), helping it transition from a Division II to a Division I program. Golding led the Wildcats to the 2019 and 2021 NCAA Tournaments, including a stunning upset as a 14-seed of third-seeded Texas in the first round of the 2021 Big Dance.
 
UP NEXT
UTEP returns home to play host to Tarleton State at 7 p.m. MT on Monday (Dec. 16). The contest is part of the WAC/CUSA Challenge. It will feature a teddy bear toss at halftime. The special promotion, which is sponsored by UTEP Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, affords fans the opportunity to give back to the community while also receiving discounted tickets to the game. All teddy bears, which must be new or in good condition, will be donated to the El Paso Children's Hospital. Fans who present a teddy bear to the ticket office will have a 50 percent discount. They must do so either at the ticket window of the Don Haskins Center or at the Eisenberg Ticket Office. The game is the first of seven straight at home for the Miners, including the first three league contests. Jon Teicher (44th year) and Steve Yellen (22nd year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso. It will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required), with Andy Morgan and former Miner assistant coach Bobby Braswell describing the action. For tickets, please visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or call (915) 747-UTEP.