Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (13-14, 4-8 CUSA) will look to snap a three-game skid when it plays host to co-league leader Sam Houston (16-11, 9-3 CUSA) at the Don Haskins Center at 7 p.m. MT Saturday. The Miners gave LA Tech, which shares first place with the Bearkats, everything it wanted before sustaining a 65-59 setback last time out. Sam Houston posted its third straight and sixth win in the past eight games after throttling NM State, 79-58, in Las Cruces, N.M. on Feb. 22. It is the second to last home game of the campaign for the Orange and Blue, who are tied with FIU for eighth at 4-8 but just one contest back of a logjam of teams at 5-7. UTEP will be vying for a split in the season series after Sam Houston managed to hold on for a 60-56 victory in Huntsville, Texas, on Jan. 27. The Bearkats are 5-9 on the road (3-3 CUSA) while UTEP is 12-4 at home (4-2 CUSA). It will be a special evening with the return of the 1983-84 Miners for a 40th-anniversary celebration. It was one of coach Don Haskins's best teams. The Miners won 15 straight to begin the year, rose to as high as fifth in the nation and finished 27-4 and with a no. 9 rating in the AP. UTEP finished 13-3 in WAC play in the midst of a run to five consecutive league titles. Many members of the team will be at "The Don" to celebrate and reminisce while also cheering on the current edition of the Orange and Blue against one of the toughest squads in Conference USA. Jon Teicher (43rd year) and Steve Yellen (21st year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso and the UTEP Miners App. It will also stream on ESPN+ (subscription required) with Mando Medina (play-by-play) and former Miner Hooper Vint (analyst) describing the action. Tickets start as low as $9.15. For more information, please visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or call (915) 747-UTEP.
 
GET TO KNOW SAM HOUSTON
Conference USA newcomer Sam Houston is enjoying a dream first season in the league. The Bearkats have won three straight, including a 79-58 dismantling of NM State at the Pan-American Center last time out, to enter into Saturday night's game at 16-11, 9-3 in CUSA play. The triumph kept them tied atop the league with LA Tech for first place (9-3), although the Bearkats did win the only meeting thus far vs. the Bulldogs. Sam Houston finished at 7-8 in nonconference play, but it endured a challenging slate that included five road losses to Power Five programs. They are 16-6 on the season against everyone else. The Bearkats are known for their aggressiveness on the boards, leading CUSA and rating 68th in the country with 12.0 offensive rebounds per game. The bench also proves big for them, with Sam Houston reserves putting up 22.5 points per game to help it account for 71.9 ppg overall (sixth CUSA). It is fourth in CUSA by forcing 13.7 turnovers per game (63rd NCAA), which helps lead to 12.7 fastbreak points per game (third CUSA/61st NCAA). The Bearkats defend the 3-point shot well, with foes shooting just 31.8 percent from beyond-the-arc (third CUSA/76th NCAA). Overall, the opposition has been limited to 70.4 ppg (sixth CUSA). The Miners will have to be careful not to send Sam Houston to the free-throw line, as it is the top-rated squad at the charity stripe in CUSA by knocking down 71.9 percent. Lamar Wilkerson (14.4 ppg-sixth CUSA) and Davon Barnes (13.7 ppg-ninth CUSA) are the offensive catalysts while six others provide between 5.5 and 8.5 ppg. Wilkerson (46-127) and Barnes (44-121) both love firing from distance. Three different Bearkats are highly effective on the offensive glass. They are in the form of Damon Nicholas Jr. (2.3 per game-third CUSA), Souleymane Doumbia (2.25 per game-fourth CUSA) and Kian Scroggins (2.1-seventh CUSA). Overall, Nicholas Jr. paces the team with 5.8 rpg (10th CUSA) followed by Scroggins (5.7-12th CUSA) and Doumbia (5.6-13th CUSA), respectively. Jaden Ray directs the offense with 4.1 assists per game (second CUSA) while Marcus Boykin is credited with 2.7 apg (10th CUSA). Notable university alumni include retired Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart and inspired the movie, Lone Survivor, Dan Rather (famed national news anchor) and Charlie Wilson, member of US House of Representatives who was portrayed in the movie Charlie Wilson's War featuring Tom Hanks.

SERIES HISTORY: UTEP LEADS, 8-1
UTEP won the first eight match-ups with Sam Houston-with each of them in El Paso-but the Bearkats downed the Miners, 60-56, in Huntsville, Texas, on Jan. 27. It was UTEP's first match-up against Sam Houston outside of the Sun City and the first with both competing inside Conference USA. While six of the first eight contests between the programs were decided by double figures, it was a four-point affair earlier this year. Prior to the match-up in January, the two sides last squared off in an 87-68 UTEP victory in the championship contest of the 2015 WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Dec. 22, 2015. Head coach Joe Golding is familiar with the Bearkats, having faced them 16 times (15 as head coach at Abilene Christian).
 
GOING BACK IN TIME
Junior Derick Hamilton came off the bench to pour in a career-high 16 points, and UTEP gave first-place LA Tech everything it could handle before falling, 65-59, inside the Don Haskins Center on Feb. 22. There were a ridiculous 18 lead changes, to go along with nine ties, but the Bulldogs managed to wrestle control late. The Miners tied it at 55 following a 3-pointer from Tae Hardy with 4:20 to play, but LA Tech regained the lead immediately and held on down the stretch.
 
DERICK GOES OFF
Facing off against one of the premiere posts in Conference USA in the form of Daniel Batcho, who leads the league and is 10th nationally in blocks per game, Derick Hamilton scored with ease. He came off the bench to pour in a career-high 16 points by making 8-10 from the floor (both career bests) in a career-most 19 minutes. He did not have any of his shot attempts blocked and tied for the team lead with a +5 in +/-. Hamilton has 22 points on a combined 11-13 shooting the past two contests.
 
ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO A CLOSE
Tae Hardy's career-best 12-game double-digit scoring streak (prior long was seven) was halted vs. LA Tech when he was held to nine points.
 
COULDN'T GET TO THE LINE
UTEP spent plenty of time in the paint (30-20 point in paint advantage) against LA Tech but finished with season lows in makes (three) and attempts (five) on free throws. It was 2-4 from the line in the first half and 1-1 in the second half. LA Tech was 11-17 in the game (all in second half).
 
MORE STEALS, MORE TURNOVERS FORCED
The Miners registered 13 steals on 18 forced turnovers, which they converted into 14 points, in the setback to LA Tech. The effort allowed UTEP to continue to pace the nation in both steals per game (11.9) and turnovers forced per game (19.2).
 
VALUING THE BASKETBALL
UTEP has committed just 10 turnovers in back-to-back games. It's the first time the Miners have had 10 giveaways or less against consecutive DI opponents since a four-contest streak during the 2021-22 season (Feb. 19-March 3, 2022).
 
SHARING THE ROCK
UTEP was credited with 19 assists vs. LA Tech, its most vs. a CUSA opponent since also having 19 against WKU at the 2023 CUSA Championships on March 8, 2023. Zid Powell matched his career high with six helpers while David Terrell Jr. equaled his most against a DI opponent with five. Coincidentally, his other five-assist game (vs. DI foe) was at LA Tech on Jan. 25.
 
GOTTA GET BACK TO BOXING OUT
After keeping Liberty (two, Feb. 3), NM State (eight, Feb. 10) and WKU (six, Feb. 15) under control on the offensive glass, the Miners have been challenged in the department the past two games. Middle Tennessee pulled down 12 offensive boards on Feb. 17 while LA Tech recorded 15 last time out. Overall, the Bulldogs tied for the second-most total rebounds (45) by a foe this year.
 
BIG COMING THROUGH BIG
UTEP's bench has accounted for 70 total points the past two games, piling up a DI season-high 39 at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 17 before registering 31 vs. LA Tech last time out. It's the first time since the 2019-20 season that the Miners have received consecutive 30+ point contributions from the pine. That year UTEP did so at UTSA (31-Jan. 18, 2020) and at Rice (35-Jan. 23, 2020).
 
THAT'S MORE LIKE IT AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
UTEP is 24-30 at the charity stripe over the past two games, including knocking down a season-high 84.0 percent (21-25) at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 17.  The Miners had gone a combined 74-117 (63.2 percent) at the charity stripe the prior five contests. That included three straight and four of five where they finished 60 percent or worse. Taking care of business at the charity stripe has generally resulted in wins this season. UTEP is 8-3 when making at least 70 percent from the line.
 
SHATTERING THE SCHOOL SINGLE-SEASON STEALS MARK
The Miners have piled up a school record and counting 322 steals, blowing past the prior school single-season standard of 288 that had been shared by the 2009-10 and 2022-23 teams. UTEP, which leads the nation in 11.9 steals per game, has a shot to crack the CUSA single-season top five as it's currently on pace for 382. The breakdown for the most by CUSA programs (all now former members) in a season is as follows:
Team             Total           Year                  GP
UAB                395               2002-03             34
Houston       385               2005-06             31
UAB                382               2004-05             33
UAB                371               2003-04             32
Memphis      361               2005-06             37
 
GETTING IT DONE IN CONFERENCE TOO
UTEP has registered at least 10 steals in 10 of its 12 Conference USA contests. The Miners are accounting for 12.8 steals per game vs. CUSA opposition, which has helped them force 19.8 turnovers per game during league play.
 
70+ POINTS NORMALLY DOES IT
UTEP had been 12-1 on the year (4-1 CUSA) when tallying 70+ points. The Miners did that at both WKU (L, 90-80, Feb. 15) and at Middle Tennessee (L 96-90, 2OT, Feb. 17), but fell short in both contests. The deficiency was on defense with the two teams combining to shoot 61-115 (53.0%). MT really hurt UTEP from distance with an opponent season-high 14 treys, including Jestin Porter finishing 8-8 alone from distance on the way to a 41-point game.
 
TAE DROPPING TRIPLES
Tae Hardy has connected on at least three 3-pointers in six of the past 13 games and 11 times total on the season. He leads the team in 3-pointers made (57) and attempted (153) and his 2.1 3-pointers per game is seventh in CUSA.
 
LOTS OF FREE THROWS LEAD TO LOTS OF WINS
UTEP is 9-1 on the season when attempting at least 29 free throws in a contest. The lone loss in the situation came when Abilene Christian was awarded 48 free throw attempts. The Miners head into Saturday's contest leading CUSA and among the upper echelon of the country for both free throw attempts per game (24.9-10th CUSA) and free throws made per contest (17.1-21st NCAA). The Miners had no such luck against LA Tech last time out, setting season lows for both makes (three) and attempts (five). That included going just 1-1 in the final 20 minutes of the second half.
 
SO DOES CAMPER JR. SCORING 10+ POINTS
When Corey Camper Jr. hits double figures in scoring, the Miners are pretty solid. UTEP is 8-3 on the year in the situation.
 
TERRELL JR. HAS TURNED ON THE LIGHT SWITCH
Four-time CUSA Freshman of the Week, including having won three in a row before the streak was snapped this week, David Terrell Jr. has elevated his scoring output and increased his minutes in the second half of the season. Over the first 13 games, he was pitching in 3.5 ppg, including 12 made free throws, in 14.3 mpg. In the 14 contests since, he is producing 7.1 ppg while logging 24.1 mpg. He has knocked down 33 free throws in that time frame. Overall, the Dallas native is at 5.4 ppg in 19.4 mpg.
 
HORTON III HAS COME ON
Freshman Trey Horton III played a total of 45 minutes while appearing in seven of the first 15 games season, pitching in 1.4 ppg (2-12 FG, 0-9 3FG, 6-7 FT). In the 12 contests since (missed one due to illness), the North Carolina native is tallying 4.6 ppg (18-35, FG, 12-26 3FG, 3-5 FT) in 10.4 mpg.
 
HARDY HAS HEATED UP IN CUSA PLAY
Senior Tae Hardy enters Saturday's showdown with Sam Houston having produced 17.0 ppg in CUSA only contests (fourth CUSA). That has been helped by posting double figures in scoring in 11 of the 12 league contests. He fell just shy (nine points) last time out vs. LA Tech.
 
19 GAMES WITH 10+ STEALS
UTEP has recorded 10+ steals in 19 different games this season. That has been aided by doing so in four straight and in 10 of the 12 CUSA contests. To put that figure into perspective, consider that it equals the combined number of such contests by the 2022-23 (10) and 2009-10 (nine) teams. That is significant given that the '22-23 and '09-10 Miners shared the single-season school record for steals (288) before this year's unit broke the mark at WKU on Feb. 15. UTEP has now amassed 322 steals heading into Saturday's contest.
 
GOTTA GET TO 70
Until last week, the Miners have had tremendous success this year when tallying at least 70 points. UTEP is 12-3 (was 12-1) on the campaign when recording 70+ points. That includes putting up 93 points in a home victory vs. WKU on Jan. 20. That was the most points vs. a DI foe since the Miners surpassed the century mark in a 101-89 victory against Rice on Jan. 8, 2021.
 
MAKING THE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK AWARD OURS
UTEP has brought home the CUSA Freshman of the Week Award a league-leading nine times this season. That number easily surpasses the prior school record (six, 2013-14). It is one shy of matching the CUSA single-season standard of 10 that is shared by WKU (2018-19), UTSA (2017-18) and Rice (2015-16). UTEP enjoyed a run of six straight weeks (Jan. 8 through Feb. 12), doubling the prior program-best run of three in a row (2011-12). That also tied the longest streak in CUSA history, with LA Tech (2020-21) and former conference member Rice (2015-16) having produced six straight. David Terrell Jr. (Jan. 8, Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12) and Elijah Jones (Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Nov. 27 and Jan. 22) have taken home the honor four times this campaign while Trey Horton III has claimed it once (Jan. 15).
 
HARDY CONTINUES TO LEAD OFFENSE
Tae Hardy has been the most consistent player at the offensive end for UTEP in 2023-24. He has reached double figures in scoring in 17 of the past 19 games and a team-best 24 times total this season. His career-long stretch of 12 in a row came to a close when he finished with nine points last time out against LA Tech. The senior has also produced a squad-most seven 20+ point showings. He has done it twice in the past four outings and five times total during the past 13 contests.
 
ZID SCORES IN DOUBLE DIGITS, WE GENERALLY WIN
UTEP is 9-4 on the season when senior Zid Powell hits double figures in scoring. Conversely, the Miners are 4-10 (2-10 vs. DI opposition) when Powell falls short of 10 points.
 
GET THE LEAD AND WE'RE PRETTY, PRETTY GOOD
UTEP is 10-4 on the season when leading at the half and a stout 10-2 this year when holding an advantage with five minutes remaining in regulation. It's not a recent trend, with the Miners a combined 37-9 under head coach Joe Golding when leading at the break.
 
STEALS KEEP COMING
UTEP has registered at least seven steals in every contest on the campaign, including 10 or more 19 times. That includes 10+ thefts in 10 of the 12 CUSA contests. UTEP's average of 11.9 steals per game leads the nation. The consistent effort has helped the Miners rack up 322 steals, easily already breaking the single-season school record of 288 that was shared by the 2009-10 and 2022-23 squads. UTEP is on pace to finish with 382 steals, which would rank among the top five in the CUSA single-season charts.
 
TURNOVERS DO TOO FOR OPPONENTS
UTEP is leading the country by forcing 19.2 turnovers per game, which projects to 615 by season's end. The school record for most turnovers in a season by Miner opponents is 573, which was set in 2007-08. To break that standard, the Miners must force 11.0 turnovers per game the rest of the way.
 
TAE DOING IT ALL
Senior Tae Hardy has done it all for the Miners thus far in 2023-24, including hitting the buzzer-beating 3-pointer against Cal on Nov. 20. He paces the team in scoring (15.5-fourth CUSA), minutes per game (33.3-first CUSA), 3-pointers made (57), attempted (153) and 3-pointers per game (2.1-seventh CUSA). Hardy rates second in assists per game (2.4-14th CUSA) and steals (1.8-fourth CUSA/81st NCAA. Hardy has hit at least one triple in all but one contest and has three or more six times in the past 13 tilts. He has reached double figures in scoring 24 times, aided by 17 of the past 19. He has produced a team-best seven 20+ point outings (five in past 13). The Ellenwood, Ga., native also moved past 1,000 career points (1,231) this year, with more than 800 of those coming with UTEP (829).
 
OTIS STEPPING UP
Junior Otis Frazier III, who was named the CUSA Player of the Week for the first time of his career on Jan. 22, has continued to ascend since his arrival at UTEP. He averaged 2.5 ppg in 35 appearances for George Mason from 2020-22 before transferring to UTEP. Last year he averaged 7.5 ppg on 50.3 percent (81-161) shooting in his first year with the Miners. His scoring is even better this year, accounting for 10.6 ppg (second team/18th CUSA) with a readout of 50.0 percent (98-196). He's getting after it on defense, leading the squad at 2.1 steals per contest (third CUSA/45th NCAA). That figure was boosted by a school-record tying eight steals vs. Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18. Frazier III is also working the boards (4.6 rpg-third team/20th CUSA), doing so in both offensive (1.8 orpg-first team/13th CUSA) and defensive (2.8, third team/24th CUSA). He has hit more free throws than last year and is a smidgen better percentage wise too. Frazier III is at 65.2 percent (73-112) from the charity stripe after finishing at 40-63 from the line (63.5 percent) a season ago. He is third on the team in makes (tied eighth CUSA) and second for attempts (sixth CUSA). Frazier III has hit double figures in scoring 15 times total this season (second on team).
 
ZID'S DOING HIS PART
Buffalo grad transfer Zid Powell is contributing across the board despite having battled through some injuries and foul issues at times. Powell leads the team in assists (3.2 apg-seventh CUSA), free throws made (91-second CUSA) and attempted (123-fourth CUSA), free-throw percentage (min. 30 attempts) at 74.0 percent, rebounding (5.0-16th CUSA) and defensive rebounds per game (3.7-13th CUSA). He is third in scoring (10.5-19th CUSA) and tied for third in steals (1.7-tied fifth CUSA). The Philly native is also third on the squad and 18th in CUSA with 1.3 offensive boards per contest. Powell has produced 13 double-digit scoring efforts (UTEP is 9-4 in those tilts), including the most points by a Miner since '21-22 with a career-high 32 vs. Wyoming on Dec. 21.
 
CAMPER JR. CONTRIBUTING AT BOTH ENDS
JUCO Honorable-Mention All-American (Tyler JC) Corey Camper Jr., who came off the bench for nine of the first 10 games of the season, has started 16 of 17 since. He is second on the team for 3-pointers made (24) and attempted (81), fourth in scoring (8.1 ppg) and sixth in steals (1.3-12th CUSA). The Arkansas native has also done a solid job at the charity stripe, nailing 73.4 percent (45-61), including 79.2 percent (19-24) in CUSA. He had ice in his veins late against Chicago State, going 2-2 in the waning seconds to seal the victory. Camper Jr. has 11 games with double-digit scoring totals, including a career-high 19 points in the win vs. WKU on Jan. 20. The Miners are 8-3 in those contests.
 
SOLOMON'S ALL-AROUND GAME
Senior Calvin Solomon is displaying the full arsenal of his abilities in 2023-24, rating second on the team in blocked shots (0.6-tied 16th CUSA), tied for third in steals (1.7-tied fifth CUSA) and fourth in rebounding (3.9). He contributes 6.3 ppg (fifth on team). He has proven to be a team player by coming off the bench in 13 of the past 17 contests after starting the first 10 on the campaign. Solomon is fourth for free throws made (65) and attempts (88) for a readout of 73.9 percent. That is the second best among Miners with at least 30 attempts. It is also a vast improvement from his readout of 59.8 percent (76-127) last year. The Houston native also joined the 1,000 career points club (1,025) this year, with 479 coming at UTEP.
 
KEEPING A FAMILY TRADITION ALIVE
Four-time CUSA Freshman of the Week honoree David Terrell Jr. is following in the footsteps of both his mom and dad by competing with the Miners. His mom (Kiana Taylor) was a standout on the women's basketball team at UTEP (1993-96, 97-98), finishing her career as the then school record holder for double-doubles (20) and the then second-leading scorer (1,134) and rebounder (676) in program history. His father, David, was an all-WAC performer for UTEP and played with the football team from 1994-96. Terrell Jr. has adapted well to the college game, rating third on the squad in assists per game (2.0-20th CUSA) and fifth in steals (1.4 spg-10th CUSA). His scoring is coming around as well, as he's elevated it to 5.4 ppg (sixth on team) on a 42.6 percent from the floor. He has scored at least six points in nine of the past 14 contests. Three of his four double-digit scoring efforts on the year have come during the stretch. In CUSA only games, he is at 6.9 ppg (fifth on team, aided by going 26-35 at the charity stripe.

KALU MAKING HIS MARK
Kevin Kalu is leading the team in blocked shots (0.7-14th CUSA) while rating second for rebounds (4.9-18th CUSA), offensive rebounds per game (1.7-14th CUSA) and defensive rebounds per game (3.1-22nd CUSA). He has pulled down at least four rebounds in 20 games. He is chipping in 4.3 ppg but is doing so at an efficient 58.2 percent (46-79) from the floor.
 
ELIJAH JONES, ANOTHER 4X CUSA FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
UTEP forward Elijah Jones has been named the Conference USA Freshman of the Week four times this season, including each of the first three weeks. He became the first Miner in program history to win three straight CUSA Freshman of the Week honors, with it being more impressive that he did it out of the gates. David Terrell Jr. later joined him with three in a row. After a strong showing in a pair of home wins against Middle Tennessee (Jan. 18) and WKU (Jan. 20), he picked up his fourth such honor on Jan. 22. Overall, Jones is pitching in 4.0 ppg and 1.8 rpg. He is an accurate free throw shooter, connecting on 13-17 (76.5 percent). He is also 42-69 (60.9 percent) including 8-21 (38.1 percent) from distance.
 
WELCOME TO THE COURT, BAYLOR HEBB
After sitting out the first 10 games of the season due to NCAA transfer rules, Baylor Hebb is now part of the rotation. That included making his first start as a Miner at NM State on Jan. 4. He's chipping in 2.1 ppg and 0.9 rpg in 8.6 mpg, aided by a campaign-best seven points vs. Seattle U on Dec. 30.  He did, however, miss consecutive games with an injury before logging a total of 15 minutes the past four tilts as he works his way back into form.
 
GETTING TO THE LINE
The Miners' relentless drive toward to the paint (33.8 points in paint per game) and getting out in transition (16.8 fastbreak points per game-second NCAA) has led to them taking the 10th-most free throws per game (24.9-first CUSA) in the country. UTEP is also 21st nationally for free throws made per contest (17.1-first CUSA). The Miners have three players in the top 10 for CUSA for free throws made. They are Zid Powell (91-second), Tae Hardy (75-sixth) and Otis Frazier III (73- tied eighth),
 
POUNDING THE PAINT
UTEP has demonstrated the ability to get points in the paint in 2023-24. A good chunk (912-1,992, 45.7 percent) of the Miners' points on the season have come in the paint. On the year, the Orange and Blue have an 912-828 advantage for points in the paint. That works out to 33.8 ppg in the paint for UTEP compared to 30.7 by foes.
 
LET'S GET OUT AND RUN
The Miners are accounting for 16.8 fastbreak points per game, the second-highest average in the country. They have tallied at least 12 points on the break 22 times, including a campaign-best 47 against USAO on Nov. 9. Their DI high (31 vs. WKU on Jan. 20) was the most since the '06-07 season when they also had 31 vs. Marshall. UTEP has a remarkable 454-286 cushion against opponents this season in the category, with the 16.8-10.6 ppg differential on average.
 
HIGH-OCTANE BENCH
UTEP's reserves have helped the Miners put up 73.8 points per game (fourth CUSA), with the bench accounting for 24.7 ppg (fourth CUSA/61st NCAA). Overall, the Miners hold a 666-535 differential in reserve scoring. That works out to a 24.7-19.8 advantage per contest.
 
SHARING IS CARING
UTEP is dishing out 13.3 assists per contest to rate fourth in CUSA. The Miners have surpassed 20 assists three times, including setting a school record with 33 in the opener vs. Division III opponent McMurry on Nov. 6. Zid Powell (3.2 apg-seventh CUSA) and Tae Hardy (2.4 apg-14th CUSA) lead the charge. Freshman David Terrell Jr. (2.0 apg-20th CUSA) has also been good at setting up teammates.
 
GIVE ME THAT BALL
UTEP has notched at least seven steals in all 27 games, with double-digit totals 19 times. That effort has led to it leading the nation in both steals per game (11.9) and turnovers forced per contest (19.2). Foes have committed at least 17 turnovers 18 times, which included a school-record streak of eight straight with 19 or more earlier in the season. Both Chicago State (Jan.7) and Middle Tennessee (Jan. 18) were harassed into 27 turnovers, the most by a DI Miner opponent since Norfolk State had 32 on Dec. 28, 2009. UTEP set the single-season school record for steals by compiling 12 at WKU on Feb. 15, passing by the prior standard (288, 2009-10, 2022-23). It currently boasts 322 steals heading into Saturday's game.
 
LOTS ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR OPPOSITION
UTEP has six players in the top 12 in Conference USA for steals per game. Each of them also helps comprise the top-six scorers on the squad. Otis Frazier III (2.1-third CUSA/45th NCAA) leads the way, with Tae Hardy (1.8-fourth CUSA/81st NCAA) also in the top 100 nationally. Zid Powell and Calvin Solomon tie for third on the unit at 1.7 spg (fifth CUSA). David Terrell Jr. (1.4-10th CUSA) and Corey Camper Jr. 1.3 spg (12th CUSA) round out the list. Last season, Solomon joined Randy Culpepper and Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway as the lone Miners in program history to average at least 2.0 steals per game. Frazier III and Hardy have the best chance on this year's squad to do so.
 
WHO IS PUTTING UP THE POINTS
Heading into Saturday's contest vs. co-league leader Sam Houston, three Miners are accounting for double figures in scoring while three others are between 5.0 ppg and 8.5 ppg. Senior Tae Hardy (15.5 ppg-fourth CUSA) tops the team. Junior Otis Frazier III (10.6 ppg-18th CUSA) and Buffalo transfer Zid Powell (10.5 ppg-19th CUSA) join him in double digits on average. JUCO Honorable-Mention All-American (Tyler JC) Corey Camper Jr. (8.1 ppg), senior Calvin Solomon (6.3 ppg) and four-time CUSA Freshman of the Week David Terrell Jr. (5.4 ppg) round out the list. Aiding the balanced approach were eight different Miners (most on record) hitting double figures in scoring in the 120-71 season-opening win against McMurry on Nov. 6.
 
WHAT ABOUT PLAYING TIME
Seven different Miners have earned double figures in playing time on average, with each of those individuals appearing in every contest. Tae Hardy (33.3-first CUSA) is the only one on the squad to be earning more than 30.0 minutes per contest. Otis Frazier III (27.1 mpg), Corey Camper Jr. (26.7) and Zid Powell (25.7 mpg) and are the only others above 20.0 mpg.
 
UTEP IN THE RANKINGS
UTEP leads Conference USA in six major stat categories. The Miners top the conference in fastbreak scoring (16.8-second NCAA), free throw attempts per game (24.9-10th NCAA), free throws made per game (17.1-21st NCAA), steals per game (11.9-first NCAA), turnover margin (4.6-eighth NCAA) and turnovers forced per contest (19.2-first NCAA). UTEP is among the top-100 nationally for bench scoring (24.7-fourth CUSA/61st NCAA) and turnover margin (4.5-second CUSA/eighth NCAA).
 
DERICK HARDLY MISSES
Derick Hamilton hasn't attempted enough field goals per game to qualify nationally for field-goal percentage, but he has done enough to show off his talents thus far in 2023-24. Hamilton is 28-41 from the floor (68.3 percent) in 92 total minutes of action. He has come on strong of late, making a combined 11-13 shots for 22 points the past two contests. That included going off for a career-high 16 points (career-best 8-10 on FGs) vs. LA Tech. Hamilton started the season 12-12 and is now 50-74 (67.6 percent) in his Miner career.
 
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE FOR FRAZIER III
Otis Frazier III had a historic performance against Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18. He became the first DI or NBA Player in the last 25 years to have 20+ points (21), 8+ steals (school-record tying eight) and shoot 100% from the floor (6-6) in that game.
 
SOLOMON & HARDY SURPASS 1,000 CAREER POINTS
Seniors Tae Hardy and Calvin Solomon have both moved past 1,000 career points this season. Hardy did so with a 3-pointer against Wyoming on Dec. 21 while Solomon joined the club after knocking down a free throw at Sam Houston on Jan. 27. Hardy is now at 1,231 (829 with UTEP) while Solomon stands at 1,025 (479 with the Miners).
 
HISTORIC STEALS STRETCH
The Miners put together a school-record seven straight games with 10+ steals (ended vs. Jax State with nine thefts). That included a stretch with 15+ steals in four consecutive contests, which tied as the second longest in the nation dating to 1996-97 (according to NCAA research). Missouri (five, 2022-23) had the most in that stretch, followed by the Miners, Clemson (four, 2009-10), Georgetown (four, 2003-04), Pittsburgh (four, 1998-99) and West Virginia (four, 1997-98). 
 
FIVE TIMES THIS CENTURY
The Miners got out of the gates at 5-0 this year before dropping their last two games, including most-recently, 67-47, at LMU on Nov. 25. It marked the fifth time since 2000 that the Orange and Blue had posted a start of least 5-0. It happened previously in 2019-20 (5-0), 2015-16 (6-0), 2009-10 (5-0) and 2000-01 (6-0).
 
TAE CALLED GAME AGAINST CAL
UTEP defeated Cal, 75-72, on Nov. 20, in a wild and memorable finish. After a couple of missed free throws by Tae Hardy (was 7-7 to that point), the Bears tied the game at 72 with a 3-pointer from Jalen Cone with six seconds left. Rather than sulk, Otis Frazier III inbounded the ball to Zid Powell, who raced up the court. He then dished it to Hardy, whose 3-point attempt spun around the rim before dropping through for the buzzer-beating victory. It was the first buzzer beater for UTEP since Alfred Hollins's tip-in as the horn sounded in a 70-68 triumph against Florida Atlantic on Jan. 27, 2022. The win was the first against a Power Five program under head coach Joe Golding and initial since knocking off Arizona State on the road, 76-63, on Dec. 16, 2020.
 
BESTING A POWER PROGRAM ON A NEUTRAL COURT
UTEP's win against Cal marked the first time that it bested a Power Six program (Power Five + Big East) at a neutral site since taking out Xavier (Big East) on Nov. 28, 2014. It was also the initial occasion to defeat a Power Five foe in a neutral match-up since toppling SEC foe Tennessee, 78-70, on Nov. 28, 2013, in the Battle 4 Atlantis at Paradise Island, Bahamas.
 
TAKING OUT A PRESEASON FAVORITE
UC Santa Barbara has been to two of the past three NCAA Tournaments and set a school record for wins (27) last year, but the Miners weren't intimidated. UTEP led for 25 minutes, including never trailing in the second half, on the way to taking out the in the 2023-24 preseason favorites in the Big West, 89-76, on Nov. 13.
 
TALKING 100-POINT GAMES
UTEP finished with the second-most points (120, now third) in program history in the win vs. McMurry on Nov. 6. The Miners followed that up with a school-record 123 points in routing USAO. It was the first time UTEP started a season with consecutive 100+ point showings. In fact, the only other time the Orange and Blue ever posted back-to-back 100-point games came during the 1968-69 season when they blasted Montana (103-90, 12/28/68) and then drilled Tahoe Paradise (109-63, 1/2/69). Prior to the outbursts this year, the Miners hadn't topped 100 since besting Rice, 101-89, on Jan. 8, 2021. UTEP now stands at 33-2 all time when surpassing 100 points in a contest, including 31-0 in El Paso (22-0 at the Haskins Center). UTEP has won 18 straight games when hitting the century mark.
 
AN OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION TO BEGIN THE YEAR
The Miners enjoyed a three-game scoring stretch with at least 89 points to begin the year. The last time UTEP did so at any point in the season was 14 years ago. That year, the Orange and Blue also had a three-contest span (12/19/09-12/28/09). Making this season's effort stand out a bit is that the Miners had back-to-back 100-point outings for just the second time in school history. It also happened in 1968-69.
 
DUST OFF THE RECORD BOOKS
UTEP dented the record book in the first two games of the season.
-School-record 123 points vs. USAO (11/9) and third-most points (120) vs. McMurry (11/6). The 243 points are the most in a two-contest span in program history.
- Dished out a program-best 33 assists vs. McMurry, smashing the prior standard of 29.
- School-record 50 field goals vs. McMurry, crushing the previous mark (46) that had happened in both 1979 (vs. Illinois Tech, 12/22/79) and in 1966 (vs. NM State, 2/1/66).
- Second-most second-half points (71) at the school vs. USAO and tied for seventh-highest total (61) after the break against McMurry.
- Tied for fourth-most first-half points (59) against McMurry.
- Won back-to-back games by at least 49 points for first time ever, including tying for the seventh-biggest margin of victory (51) vs. USAO (W, 123-71).
- Posted 19 steals vs. McMurry, tying as the third most at the school, while the 18 thefts against USAO earned a share of fifth place.
 
THE BEST FANS IN CONFERENCE USA
UTEP led Conference USA in attendance last year in both total number of fans (81,941) and average attendance (4,552). It marked the second straight season that the Miners paced CUSA in at least one of those categories. Last year, UTEP's advantage for per-game average was noticeable, with WKU more than 500 fans behind on average at 4,026. The Miners are solid in the area in 2023-24, leading the league for total fans (75,405) and placing second in average attendance (4,713).
 
MORE THAN A MILLION FANS
UTEP has attracted more than one million fans to the Don Haskins Center over the past decade. A total of 1,116,176 individuals have passed through the turnstiles from the beginning of the 2012-13 campaign to the end of the 2022-23 season. That figure makes the Miners the only school out of the nine members in Conference USA to have topped one million fans in that timeframe.
 
ROSTER RUNDOWN
UTEP returned its leading scorer (Tae Hardy-12.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 spg) and rebounder (Calvin Solomon-6.0 rpg, 9.6 ppg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg) from last year's team. Overall, the Miners brought back 54.3 percent of their scoring and 50.5 percent of their rebounding. It is a stark difference from the situation the Orange and Blue faced going into the 2022-23 campaign, when they had just 20.8 percent of the rebounding and 11.1 percent of the scoring back. UTEP has seven lettermen in the fold, including three starters (Hardy, Solomon and Otis Frazier III; 7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg). Jon Dos Anjos (4.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg) , Derick Hamilton (2.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg), Antwonne Holmes and Kevin Kalu are the other returning lettermen. The Miners landed six newcomers, including junior-college All-American Corey Camper Jr. (19.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg at Tyler JC) and DI transfers Zid Powell (13.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.9 spg at Buffalo) and Baylor Hebb (Colorado State). UTEP also has a pair of true freshmen (Trey Horton III, David Terrell Jr.) and another JUCO transfer (Sebastian Cole). Garrett Levesque (Tarleton State) and Elijah Jones (ECU) have also made their respective Miner debuts after redshirting the 2022-23 campaign.
 
DI EXPERIENCE
UTEP has ample DI experience across its roster, with a combined 454 games played (210 starts) among the Miners as of the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Calvin Solomon leads with way with 114 appearances (88 starts).
 
PRESEASON HONORS
UTEP seniors Tae Hardy and Calvin Solomon were tabbed to the 2023-24 CUSA All-Preseason Team in a vote by the league's nine head coaches. The Miners joined Middle Tennessee and WKU as the only programs in the conference to have a pair of members on the squad.
 
NEW-LOOK LEAGUE
UTEP joined Conference USA as the newest school in the league for the 2005-06 campaign. It entered the 2023-24 season as the most-tenured member. The 11 programs who were part of CUSA when the Miners moved to it have since departed to other conferences. Joining UTEP as returning league members are FIU, LA Tech, Middle Tennessee and WKU while Jax State, Liberty, NM State and Sam Houston are all in their first year.
 
A YEAR IN REVIEW
-    UTEP had a new-look squad in 2022-23 with head coach Joe Golding having to overhaul the roster after the Miners returned just one starter and three letterwinners total from a 20-win team a year prior.
-    The Orange and Blue managed a 14-18 record, including a 67-64 victory against NM State on Nov. 12, 2022, for their first win against the Aggies in three years. That was the start of a five-game winning streak, which was aided by back-to-back OT triumphs.
-    The five straight victories in November were the longest in the month in four years, which was aided by a mark of 3-0 in the inaugural Jim Forbes Classic Presented by Speaking Rock.
-    The Miners came within a point of winning the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, falling 47-46 to eventual NCAA Tournament participant Kent State on Dec. 22, 2022. UTEP experienced a tough 1-4 stretch early in league play, with those four setbacks by a combined 14 points.
-    UTEP remained resilient on the way to forging seven league triumphs, capped by a 77-65 "Senior Day" triumph against Middle Tennessee on March 4, 2023.
-    The Orange and Blue tied the single-season school record for overtime games at five, matching the 1994-95 and 2011-12 teams. All five of the OT games were in the regular season, which are the most ever at the school. Both the 1994-95 and 2011-12 Miners had in four OT games during the regular season and one postseason OT tilt.
 
THE BASIC FACTS ON UTEP
-    This is the 103rd 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.
 
GOLDING REACHES 200 CAREER WINS
Third-year UTEP head coach Joe Golding guided the Miners past Wyoming, 78-67, on Dec. 21 to not only win the 2023 WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational but also hit the 200-career victory plateau. He is now 205-190 all time between Abilene Christian and UTEP, including 47-46 in his third season in the Sun City. That places him eighth on the Miners' all-time coaching win list. He needs two triumphs to surpass Doc Sadler (48-18, 2004-06).
 
GET TO KNOW COACH GOLDING
Joe Golding is in his third year at UTEP and 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 205-190 in his 13th season as a collegiate head coach, including 47-46 at UTEP. Those have allowed him to moved past both current Texas head coach Rodney Terry (37) and Jason Rabedeaux (46 wins, 1999-02) this year. His next victory will tie him with Doc Sadler (48-18, 2004-06). Golding 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 begins its final roadswing of the season by playing at Jax State at 5 p.m. MT/6 p.m. CT on Feb. 29. Jon Teicher (43rd year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso and the UTEP Miners App for both. It will also stream on ESPN+ (subscription required.