Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (12-4, 2-1 CUSA) will open the road portion of its Conference USA slate when it competes at Liberty (14-3, 2-2 CUSA) in a nationally-televised tilt on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET Thursday. The Miners will be looking to bounce back after falling, 85-57, to I-10 rival NM State in front of a capacity crowd at home on Jan. 11. That game snapped a six-contest winning streak, which equaled the longest surge of the Joe Golding era (won six in row -2021-22). The Flames, who boast a CUSA-best NET of 72, are also coming off a setback, falling 79-74 at LA Tech last time out on Jan. 11. It is the first of two meetings on the year between the programs and starts a stretch of five of seven on the road (first time since '21-22). It is also a rematch of the 2024 Conference USA quarterfinals. In that game UTEP was down by 12 (54-42) with 10:33 left in regulation before catching fire by closing the affair on a 24-3 surge to rally for a 66-57 triumph. The Miners will be playing their first contest of the calendar year outside of El Paso and initial since being clipped 77-74 at Louisville (Dec. 11), a span of 36 days. UTEP closed out a seven-game homestand (6-1 during it) against the Aggies. The Miners are 1-2 in true road tilts this year and a combined 3-3 outside of El Paso (2-1 neutral). Liberty brings a stout 7-1 home mark into the matchup, with the lone defeat coming at the hands of defending CUSA Tournament champions WKU, 71-70, on Jan. 2. A win would afford the Orange and Blue their first victory in a CUSA road opener in a decade (started 3-0 in CUSA road tilts in 2014-15). UTEP's overall record of 12-4 is the top at the school through 16 games in 14 years. The Miners were 13-3 at the same juncture of the season in 2010-11 in Tim Floyd's first season on the sidelines. 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. Dave Ryan (pxp) and Pete Gillen (analyst) are behind the mics for the CBS Sports Network broadcast. 
 
FOURTH STRAIGHT WEEK IN COLLEGE INSIDER INC. MID MAJOR POLL
For the fourth consecutive week, UTEP has a spot in the College Insider Inc. Mid-Major Top-25 poll. The Miners dipped from No. 19 to No. 24 after the 85-57 setback against NM State last time out. There are four Conference USA programs in the most-recent edition, which ties the league for the most schools in the poll by conference with the West Coast Conference (four). They are No. 8 Liberty, No. 13 LA Tech, No. 23 NM State and the Miners, with this week's edition released on Jan. 13. The poll is voted on by 31 Division I head coaches.
 
SERIES HISTORY: UTEP LEADS, 2-1
UTEP leads the series with Liberty, 2-1, with all three of the meetings occurring last year in the Flames' first year as a member of Conference USA. Liberty won in El Paso, 67-65, on Feb. 3, 2024, before the Miners got payback with a 67-51 triumph in Lynchburg, Va., on March 2, 2024. UTEP then used a game-closing 24-3 surge to rally past Liberty, 66-57, in the quarterfinals of the CUSA Championships on March 14, 2024. The Flamers were up by 12 (54-42) with 10:33 to play in the contest before the Orange and Blue got hot for their then biggest come-from-behind victory at the CUSA Championships. 
 
GET TO KNOW LIBERTY (14-3, 2-2 CUSA, 7-1 HOME, 3-1 AWAY, 4-1 NEUTRAL)
Liberty, which has a CUSA-best NET ranking of 72 (through Jan. 12), rolled through nonconference play at an astounding 12-1, with the lone setback coming by three (77-74) at Florida Atlantic on Nov. 16. The Flames fell in their CUSA opener, 71-70, at home against WKU on Jan. 2. They have recovered to win two of three since on the way to entering the matchup with the Miners at 14-3 overall and 2-2 in league action. That includes a 76-68 victory at defending regular-season league champion Sam Houston, which halted a 17-game home league winning streak for the Bearkats. Last time out, LU was held off at LA Tech, 79-74, on Jan. 11. Four players are in double figures for scoring for the Flames, including preseason All-CUSA team honorees Kaden Metheny (13.6 ppg-tied 12th CUSA) and Zach Cleveland (11.4 ppg-tied 20th CUSA). Taelon Peter (11.4 ppg-tied 20th CUSA) and Isaiah Ihnen (10.5 ppg) are also in double figures while Owen Aquino (9.8 ppg), Jayvon Maughmer (9.6 ppg) are just shy. That balanced attack powers the high-octane offense that produces 79.5 points per game (second CUSA/74th NCAA). Aquino (6.9 rpg-sixth CUSA) and Cleveland-6.8 rpg-tied seventh CUSA) give the Flames two top-10 rebounders in the league. Liberty is the top shooting team in the conference, filling up 49.5 percent (20th NCAA), including 38.0 percent from distance (third CUSA/38th NCAA). The Flames overwhelm foes with 10.7 3-pointers per game (first CUSA/14th NCAA), with Metheny draining 3.3 treys per tilt (second CUSA/18th NCAA). Great ball movement is essential for Liberty, with 17.4 assists per game (first CUSA/24th NCAA). Cleveland (5.2 apg-second CUSA/47th NCAA) and Colin Porter (4.3 apg-fourth CUSA) lead the charge in the department. The Flames only commit 10.4 turnovers per contest (10.4-second CUSA/42nd NCAA). As good as Liberty is on offense, it is also stout defensively, sporting a top-10 scoring defense nationally (61.0-first CUSA/eighth NCAA). Opponents connect on only 39.5 percent of shots (second CUSA/34th NCAA), including 29.1 percent (second CUSA/29th NCAA) from distance. The Flames do not get to the free-throw line often, rating last in the league in free throws made (10.5-334th NCAA) and attempts per game (16.1-310th NCAA) and free-throw percentage (327th NCAA). That means LU actually makes more 3-pointers per game (10.7) than free throws per contest (10.5). Notable university alumni include Terry Fator (Ventriloquist who won America's Got Talent who now is a Vegas Headliner), Toby Mac (hip-hop artist) and Michael Tait (lead singer for the Newsboys.

LOOKING BACK (NM STATE 85, AT UTEP 57)
UTEP was upended by NM State, 85-57, in the Battle of I-10 while playing in front of the first capacity crowd (12,000) at the Don Haskins Center in nine years on Jan. 11. The Miners led 13-12 seven minutes into the contest before the Aggies ripped off a decisive 20-3 run to suddenly secure a 16-point advantage. UTEP could not get closer than 11 the rest of the way. UTEP had an off shooting night, connecting on 36.0 percent (18-50) while allowing NM State to fill up 56.7 percent (34-60).
 
TRYING TO REVERSE FORTUNES
UTEP is vying to claim its first CUSA road opener since '14-15 (won first three CUSA road tilts). It would also be the second road victory this year, which would match last season's total (2-9).
 
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END
UTEP's six-game winning streak came to a close against NM State. The Miners also had a 10-contest undefeated home surge dating to last year halted while falling to 9-1 at the Don Haskins Center this year. The setback was the first in league play (now 2-1), preventing UTEP's initial 3-0 beginning to CUSA action since 2005-06 (first year in league). 
 
TIME TO RESPOND AGAIN
In UTEP's second game of the season, it was dealt an 89-60 setback at Utah Valley (Nov. 9). The Miners responded by winning five of the next six, including derailing UCSB 79-76 on the road on Nov. 20, which dropped the Gauchos to 42-4 inside the Thunderdome in nonconference play since the start of the '17-18 campaign. Coming off the 85-57 defeat by NM State, UTEP has the prime opportunity to once again prove its mettle with five of the next seven on the road.
 
CLOSING OUT ON SHOOTERS
Foes have shot 32 percent or worse on treys in four straight games, equaling the longest stretch since late in '21-22. UTEP will be tested vs. Liberty, which is 30th nationally at 38.0 percent on triples.
 
A GLANCE AT THE CUSA STANDINGS
There's still plenty of CUSA contests left, but it's shaping up to be quite the year. Every team has won at least once in CUSA action and NM State (3-0) is the only unbeaten. Six of the 10 teams are .500 or better in league play, including UTEP at 2-1 (third place).
 
CAREER SCORING NIGHT FOR TERRELL JR. 
David Terrell Jr., poured in a career-best 17 points on seven (career-high tying) of 11 shooting while logging 29 minutes of playing time vs. NM State last time out. He has reached double figures in back-to-back tilts and four of the past six contests overall. The sophomore's scoring average has gone from 6.2 ppg to 7.7 ppg as result.
 
CONTINUES A SCORING SURGE
David Terrell Jr. has reached double figures in four of the past six games and five times total on the season. The 2024 Conference USA Freshman of the Year posted six such contests in 2023-24, never doing so in back-to-back tilts. Terrell Jr. has hit double digits in consecutive games twice this year, including the past two affairs. 
 
STILL DROPPING DIMES
David Terrell Jr. continues to find open teammates for assists. He's registered at least four assists in five straight games. He's taken good care of it as well during the stretch, with 24 helpers compared to 10 turnovers. The surge has elevated him to 2.9 assists per game (tied 12th CUSA) and just 0.1 behind Otis Frazier III (3.0-11th CUSA) for the team lead.
 
GET THAT WEAK STUFF OUT OF HERE
Otis Frazier III equaled his career high by blocking four shots against NM State last time out. He also had four at UCSB (Nov. 20) earlier this season. Frazier III is now blocking 1.0 shots per game (seventh CUSA).
 
SOMETHING ELSE ON DEFENSE
Otis Frazier III is the only player in CUSA to be ranked in the top 10 of the league for both blocked shots per game (1.0-seventh CUSA) and steals per contest (1.9-third CUSA/65th NCAA).
 
FREE THROWS STARTING TO DROP
For the first time since last year (Norfolk State, Wyoming, Seattle U), UTEP has made at least 70 percent from the free-throw line in three consecutive contests. The Miners are a combined 45-59 (76.3 percent) during the current stretch. That has brought the season percentage to 71.2 percent (247-347). UTEP last registered four straight games of at least 70 percent at the charity stripe in 2021-22 (Joe Golding's first year on the sidelines) when it ripped off 10 in a row.  
 
Surpassing 80 Means Good Things
UTEP tallied 81 points against Sam Houston on Jan. 4, its second-highest total vs. a DI opponent this season. The effort trailed only the 88 points put up in the triumph against Seattle U on Dec. 7. The Miners are now 3-0 on the year and 19-4 under head coach Joe Golding when putting up at least 80 points. 
 
SPREAD THE WEALTH, WIN GAMES
With the balanced attack against Sam Houston on Jan. 4, the Miners moved to 8-0 on the year when at least four players reach double figures in scoring. 
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
UTEP has been nearly unbeatable (9-1) this year when shooting it better than the opposition, but things have been a bit dicier (3-3) when foes connect on a higher percentage of shots in a contest.
 
DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN, BUT WE WIN WHEN IT DOES
UTEP has only won the rebounding battle three times this year, and not surprisingly with how many other things they do well, the Miners are undefeated (0-3) in those contests.
 
GOING STREAKING UNDER GOLDING
For the fourth time in as many years under head coach Joe Golding, the Miners enjoyed a winning streak of at least five games (Dec. 16 through Jan. 4) That is something that hadn't happened since UTEP also produced four consecutive campaigns with winning streaks of five or more in a row from 2013-14 through 2016-17 during the Tim Floyd era. Furthermore, the only other occasion that has occurred in the Sun City in the past 30 years was a four-season sequence from 1997-98 through 2000-01. 
 
PRETTY, PRETTY GOOD AT HOME
Even with the home setback last time out to NM State, the Miners stand an impressive 9-1 at the Don Haskins Center this year. Not only are the Aggies the lone foe this season to have bested UTEP in the Sun City, but they are also the only one to have even held a lead of any kind during the second half. The Miners have been up for 339 minutes and 50 seconds out of a possible 400 total minutes, with NM State (37:26) being the lone foe to hold the lead for the majority of the contest. UTEP's scoring margin in 10 home affairs is +10.5 (76.4-65.9), with the Orange and Blue shooting a 48.6 percent overall compared 42.3 percent by foes. 
 
STILL THE BEST START IN 14 YEARS
Even with the loss to NM State last time out, the Miners have secured their best record (12-4) through 16 games in a season in 14 years. In 2010-11, head coach Tim Floyd's first season at the helm with UTEP, the Miners produced a mark of 13-3 to this point in the campaign. 
 
Attacking The Rim
UTEP is making 15.4 free throws per game (third CUSA/86th NCAA) on 21.7 attempts per contest (second CUSA/78th NCAA). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating ninth in CUSA and 335th in the country by committing 19.6 fouls per game. Incredibly, the Miners have actually taken more free throws (347) than the opposition (345) despite committing 24 more fouls (314-290).
 
FROM DOWNTOWN
UTEP has been crisp from beyond-the-arc, connecting on 38.3 percent (123-321) on triples (second CUSA/23rd NCAA).  Ahamad Bynum (2.3-eighth CUSA), Devon Barnes-1.8-tied 12th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (1.3-tied 23rd CUSA) are all making at least one 3-pointer per contest. 
 
MAKING TRIPLES LEADS TO WINS
UTEP has connected on at least seven 3-pointers in 10 games this year, holding an 8-2 mark in those contests.
 
LOCKING UP FOES FROM DISTANCE
Opponents have been held to 30.8 percent (95-309) from beyond-the-arc, which gives UTEP a top-100 (77th) rating nationally for 3-point percentage defense on the season.
 
BUILDING BIG LEADS
UTEP has been up by double digits 12 times total on the campaign. The Miners have enjoyed advantages of at least 20 points in seven different contests. 
 
OPPONENTS HAVEN'T DONE THAT
UTEP has only trailed by double figures in three contests (at Utah Valley, Nov. 9, vs. San Jose State, Nov. 25 in Las Vegas, Nev., and against NM State, Jan. 11) with two of those coming within the first six games of the season. Furthermore, the Miners have never been behind in five tilts while facing a deficit of no more than three points in five other games. 
 
SCORING LOTS OF POINTS
The Miners are averaging 73.5 points per game. There's plenty of season left, but that would be the highest scoring output since the 2015-16 campaign (77.4 ppg). That year's team, however, allowed 74.9 ppg while the 2024-25 edition of the Miners are currently yielding 67.1 ppg (second CUSA/68th NCAA).  
 
GETTING AFTER IT ON DEFENSE TOO
Foes have been held to 67.1 points per game (second CUSA/68th NCAA), in part due to the Orange and Blue pacing the country in both steals per game (11.2) and turnovers forced per contest (18.4). The readout of 67.1 ppga would be the lowest in since head coach Joe Golding's first year of (66.6, 2021-22).
 
CONSTANTLY COMING AFTER YOU
UTEP is averaging a nation-leading 11.2 steals per game, a feat it achieved least year at 11.4 spg. Dating to the beginning of last season, the Miners have registered seven steals in 47 of the past 50 contests (first 15 this year before having five vs. NM State). 
 
CONVERTING THEM INTO POINTS TOO
For the year, the Miners are tallying 21.6 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 13.2 ppg in the category. UTEP is 11-1 when winning the category this year and 1-3 when failing to do so.
 
A FIRST FOR FRAZIER III
For the first time of his career, Otis Frazier III has reached double figures in scoring in seven consecutive contests. His prior best was five, achieved over the first five games of this season. He has put his name in the scoring column every game this year and the past 64 tilts overall. Frazier III has registered 13 double-digit efforts (in 16 contests) after doing so 20 times out of 34 appearances in 2023-24. 
 
CRACKING THE TOP 10 FOR CAREER STEALS
Otis Frazier III has piled up 31 steals on the year, including 16 in the past six games alone, which has vaulted him ninth place at the school with 133 (joined team in 2022-23 as a transfer from George Mason). He is three shy of passing Jason Williams (135, 2003-06) for eighth. He is averaging 1.9 steals per game (third CUSA/65th NCAA) this year, which gives him a shot at climbing as high as fourth on the UTEP career charts by year's end. That is occupied by the late, great Jeep Jackson (165, 1983-87).
 
DERICK CAN'T MISS
Senior Derick Hamilton has connected on his last nine shots from the floor, including going 4-4 (1-1 on FT as well) for nine points vs. Sam Houston on Jan. 4. He did not attempt a shot against NM State. On the season, the senior has filled up 65.1 percent (28-43) from the floor. He's also been a menace on the offensive glass, with 18 offensive rebounds and 19 defensive. 
 
STEALS IN BUNCHES FOR CAMPER JR. 
Corey Camper Jr., who leads CUSA and is 14th nationally at 2.4 steals per contest, has been a constant pest for the opposition. The senior has registered multiple steals in 12 contests, including a career-high five vs. UTPB on Nov. 12, 2024. 
 
KALU MOVES PAST 400 CAREER REBOUNDS
UTEP leading rebounder Kevin Kalu (5.3 rpg-18th CUSA) pulled down a team-high seven rebounds against Sam Houston on Jan. 4, moving past 400 for his collegiate career. He enters the matchup at Liberty with 408 total boards. Otis Frazier III has a slight lead for career boards (416) for players on the squad, but Kalu has the edge in terms of rebounds as a Miner (408-355).
 
CAMPER JR. IS COOKING
Corey Camper Jr. scored at least 15 points in three straight contests (15/17/16) for the first time of his career before finishing with four points last time out against NM State. Overall, he has nearly equaled his amount of double-digit scoring efforts (13) from a year ago, having surpassed 10 points 11 times this season. He is putting up 12.0 ppg (second on team/16th CUSA). Camper is also sharing the ball effectively with 2.3 assists per game (third on squad/tied 16th CUSA). The senior has made a name for himself with his defense, topping CUSA and checking in 14th nationally with 2.4 steals per game. 
 
BOMBS AWAY FROM BARNES
Devon Barnes has been nice addition to the roster for the Miners after transferring in from Tarleton State, where he helped the program compile a school-record 25 DI wins and make a run to the semifinals of the 2024 CIT. He has buried multiple 3-pointers in eight different contests, with his 1.8 triples per tilt rating tied for eight in CUSA. Twice he has matched his career high with four 3-pointers, including most recently doing so against Sam Houston on Jan. 4. Overall, he is third on the team in scoring (10.8 ppg-23rd CUSA). He tops the team in 3-pointers attempted (68) and is second for makes (28) and percentage (41.2-minimum 15 makes).
 
FRAZIER III GETTING AFTER IT ON THE GLASS
Otis Frazier III, who is second on the team in overall rebounding (4.9 rpg-tied 21st CUSA), is on track to lead the Miners in offensive boards for the second straight season. He is pulling down 2.0 orpg (10th CUSA), up a bit from his effort of 1.7 (tied 13th CUSA) last year. 
 
PILED 10 WINS OUT OF CONFERENCE
UTEP (now 12-4 overall, 2-1 CUSA) entered Conference USA action at 10-3. It marked the first time that the Miners hit double figures prior to CUSA play since going 10-5 in 2013-14.  
 
GOT IT DONE IN BOTH NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
UTEP posted five wins in both November and December. That is a feat it hadn't achieved since the 2010-11 campaign, which coincidentally is also the last time the Miners got out of the gates with a mark of at least 10-3 (10-3, eventually 13-3 that year).
 
BACK-TO-BACK TITLES
UTEP defeated Jackson State (67-61, Dec. 20 and Yale, 75-74, Dec. 21) to claim the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational for the second straight season, something that hasn't happened since a three-year run (2012-14) under then head coach Tim Floyd.
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Otis Frazier III (19 points, career-high 11 rebounds vs. LA Tech, Jan. 2, 2025) and Kevin Kalu (12 points, 12 rebounds vs. Jackson State, Dec. 20, 2024) both have double-doubles on the campaign. Frazier III now boasts two career double-doubles, having also previously done so last year (11 points, 10 rebounds, vs. Western New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2023). They are the lone Miners on this year's roster to record a double-double at the DI level (including previous stops for transfers). 
 
TERRELL JR. MORE LIKE HIMSELF AT THE LINE
Sophomore David Terrell Jr. began the season at 5-16 (31.3 percent) on free throws, but he has started to regain his form. He is 19-2 (73.1 percent) in the six games since. 
 
SHUTTING THEM DOWN
UTEP moved to 8-0 on the season when allowing 65 points or less in a game in the 70-60 defeat of LA Tech on Jan. 2. The Miners' scoring defense is at 67.1 ppga (second CUSA/68th NCAA) heading into the matchup at Liberty.
 
WINNING CLOSE
With the one-point victory against Yale, UTEP improved to 5-2 on the year in two-possession games (decided by six points or less). That includes a mark of 3-0 at home in the situation. 
 
TRYING TO CONTINUE BOUNCING BACK
UTEP is 3-0 when coming off a loss this season, and it as actually won its last four in the situation dating to last year. Furthermore, in the 13 regulation games that the Miners have allowed 80+ points in the Joe Golding era, the next opponent (same season only) has put up 64.5 points per game. 
 
STRIKE FIRST, STRIKE HARD, NO MERCY
The Miners roared out to an 11-2 lead and never looked back in the eventual 67-62 victory against Tarleton State on Dec. 16. It marked the fourth wire-to-wire win this season for UTEP. It previously led start to finish against Sul Ross State (W, 102-55, Nov. 4), UTPB (W, 78-58, Nov. 12) and vs. UNC Greensboro (W, 64-58, Nov. 27). The Miners also never trailed (tied once) at UCSB (W 79-76, Nov. 20).
 
PICK YOUR POISON
UTEP's balance has been an issue for the opposition, with five different individuals having led the team in scoring. Otis Frazier III (five) and Corey Camper Jr. (four) have set the tone. That is followed by Devon Barnes (three), Ahamad Bynum (two) and David Terrell Jr. (two). 
 
STEPPING UP
Corey Camper Jr. tied for or led the team outright in scoring twice last year. He's done so four times in 2024-25. It's a similar story with assists. The Little Rock, Ark., native has tied for or paced the Miners in assists in five contests after achieving the feat in a trio of tilts as a junior.
 
SCORING STREAKS
Otis Frazier III (64) and Devon Barnes (46) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (21) and David Terrell Jr. (18) each have put up points in at least 10 straight contests. No one else on the roster has a stretch or three or more (DI tilts only).
 
THAT'S A WRAP
UTEP concluded its longest home since in seven years by going 6-1 over a seven-game stretch. The Miners won the first six before being upended by NM State last time out. It had marked the longest homestand since the Orange and Blue had nine in a row in the Sun City during the 2017-18 season. 
 
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 (11.2) and turnovers forced per contest (18.4). UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season. 
 
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER ON OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 13.8 ppg-11th CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 12.0 ppg-16th CUSA, Devon Barnes-10.8 ppg-23rd CUSA and Ahamad Bynum-10.2 ppg) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one player. There's still plenty of basketball left, but the Miners haven't had four players average double figures in scoring since the 2018-19 season.
 
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 54.8 percent (211-403) of their field goals.  Otis Frazier III(3.0 apg-11th CUSA), David Terrell Jr. (2.9 apg-tied 12th CUSA), Corey Camper Jr. (2.3 apg- tied 16th CUSA), and Devon Barnes (1.9 apg-tied 20th CUSA) have all shown the ability to find open teammates.
 
IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN
Preseason All-CUSA honoree Otis Frazier III has been stuffing the stat sheet across the board while setting the tone for the Miners in 2024-25. He is the only player in CUSA to rate in the top 15 of the league for scoring (13.8 ppg-11th), assists (3.0 apg-11th), steals (1.9 spg-third CUSA/65th NCAA), blocks (1.0-seventh) and free-throw percentage (79.2-sixth). The senior tops the Miners in scoring, assists and blocks while rating second for free-throw percentage and steals. He also leads the team in both free throws made (57) and attempted (72) and double-digit scoring efforts (12).
 
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, free-throw percentage (81.8-not enough makes to qualify for rankings), minutes played (31.8-sixth CUSA) and steals (2.4-first CUSA/14th NCAA). Camper Jr. is second on the team for scoring (12.0 ppg-16th CUSA) and in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5) and third in assists (2.3 tied 16th CUSA). He has reached double figures in scoring in three of the past four (had three-game streak snapped by NM State) and 11 total contests this year (second on team).
 
DT SETTLING IN AT THE POINT
David Terrell Jr., the 2024 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, is settling into a starting role as a sophomore, especially while running the offense. A big difference has been his ability to stay out of foul trouble. He had three or more fouls in nine of his first 11 games of the year (missed one), including three foul outs. He has a total of seven fouls the last four games. Terrell Jr. has recorded four or more assists in five straight contests for the first time of his career, including tallying 16 (only four turnovers) the past three tilts. Overall, he is pitching 7.7 ppg (fifth on team), aided by back-to-back and four double-digit efforts the last six affairs. He is also second on the squad for assists (2.9-tied CUSA) while rating fourth in steals (1.3-tied 14th CUSA). 
 
A FAMILY TRADITION
David Terrell Jr's mom (Kiana Taylor) was a standout on the women's basketball team (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 the football team from 1994-96.
 
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 10.8 ppg (23rd CUSA) to go along with 1.7 steals per game (tied fifth CUSA). He tops the team in 3-pointers attempted (68) and is second for makes (28), resulting in 1.8 treys per contest (tied 12th CUSA). Barnes is also good at getting to the line, rating second on UTEP in free throws made (48) and attempted (69). He has been a consistent scorer with nine double-digit efforts. 
 
BYNUM FROM DOWNTOWN
Ahamad Bynum has been sensational off the bench, pacing all Miner reserves and rating fourth on the squad at 10.2 ppg. He has been particularly sharp from distance, filling up 35-66 (53.0 percent). That would lead the nation, but his 2.3 makes per game (eighth CUSA) is shy of the qualifying standing (2.5/game). He has hit multiple 3-pointers in 10 of his 15 appearances, with three games of four or more made. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 11 times. He has compiled eight double-digit efforts off the bench. The other reserves have four such games.
 
KALU'S GETTING IT DONE
Kevin Kalu averaged 3.2 points per game through his first three seasons, but he is doubling it (6.4 ppg) that output as a senior. Kalu has four double-digit scoring efforts on the season after doing so twice in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 62.9 percent (39-62) from the floor while still playing his patented outstanding defense, particularly on ball screens.  He tops the team in rebounding (5.3 rpg-18th CUSA) and is second for blocked shots (0.7-tied 14th CUSA).
 
ON A SURGE LAST NINE
Kevin Kalu has been really sharp the past 10 games (UTEP 8-2 in the stretch). He is putting up 7.9 ppg on 61.7 percent (29-47) shooting to go along with 6.2 rebounds per game, with the majority (43 of 62) coming at the defensive end. He has also committed just six turnovers in the stretch while logging 24.0 mpg. 
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DIGIT STEALS UNDER GOLDING
UTEP has produced 47 games with at least 10 steals under head coach Joe Golding, including doing so eight times this year. To put the 47 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 11.2 steals per contest. They are also forcing a NCAA-best 18.4 turnovers per tilt.
 
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 (11.2) and turnovers forced per game (18.4). UTEP accounts for three of the top five and four of the top 15. Corey Camper Jr. is first in the league at 2.4 spg (14th NCAA), followed by Otis Frazier III (1.9-third CUSA/65th NCAA), Devon Barnes (1.7-tied fifth CUSA) and David Terrell Jr. (1.3 spg-tied 14th CUSA).
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 301st in the country by attempting 20.1 triples per game, but the Miners have been lethal when doing so. UTEP is second in the league and 23rd in the nation with a readout of 38.3 percent (123-321) from beyond-the-arc. Ahamad Bynum sets the tone at a stout 53.0 percent (35-66), which would lead the nation, but he is shy of qualifying for the 2.5 makes per game (2.3-eighth CUSA). Devon Barnes has been a difference maker as well, filling up 41.2 percent (28-68) from beyond-the-arc for 1.8 treys per tilt (tied 12th CUSA).
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
UTEP has made equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 12 of 16 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 123-321 (38.3 percent-second CUSA/23rd NCAA) compared to an effort of 101-328 (30.8 percent) by the opposition. It's a big 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 UTEP made just 158-337 (29.4 percent).

PRETTY, PRETTY GOOD 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 36-44 (81.8 percent, not enough makes to qualify for CUSA/NCAA ratings).
 
TRIPS A PLENTY FOR THIS TRIO AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
Corey Camper Jr. (36-44, 81.8 percent-DNQ), Otis Frazier III (57-72, 79.2 percent, sixth CUSA) and Devon Barnes (48-69, 69.6 percent, 11th CUSA) have been there early and often throughout the year. 
 
CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE
UTEP's pressure is causing fits for opponents. The Miners head into the tilt at Liberty leading the country in both steals per game (11.2 spg) and turnovers forced per game (18.4). 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 15.9 fastbreak points per game, which is first in CUSA and 16th nationally. 
 
SPREADING THE PLAYING TIME
Head coach Joe Golding has done a fine job of spreading the wealth with playing time, with eight different Miners (min. seven games played) averaging at least 10.0 minutes per game. Corey Camper Jr. (31.8 mpg, sixth CUSA), Otis Frazier III (27.9 mpg) and David Terrell Jr. (27.4 mpg) are all above 25.0 mpg. Devon Barnes (24.6), Kevin Kalu (21.2 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (19.4 mpg), Trey Horton III (13.7 mpg) and KJ Thomas (10.5 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. 
 
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.
 
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. 
 
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 leading the league in both overall attendance (54,279) and average attendance (5,428).
 
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. They repeated as champions this year and stand 9-1 in El Paso thus far. 
 
PRESEASON PREMONITIONS
UTEP was predicted to finish tied for fifth in the Conference USA preseason poll (currently third heading to game at Liberty), 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 Haskinsretired following the 1998-99 season. Golding is 222-196 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 64-52 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is on his way to another at 12-4 thus far in 2024-25. Golding just moved past Marshall Pennington (63-83, 1937-43) to take over fifth place on the school's career charts. He needs 14 more to surpass George McCarty (77-58, 1954-59). 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 wraps up the road trip by playing at FIU at 12 p.m. MT/2 p.m. ET Saturday. Jon Teicher(44th year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso, with audio also airing on the UTEP Miners app. The game will also stream on ESPN+ (subscription required).