Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (15-5, 5-2 CUSA) will open a three-game road swing when it plays at WKU (12-8, 3-4 CUSA) at 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT Thursday. The Miners, who sit in a three-way tie for first place in Conference USA alongside Middle Tennessee and Jax State at 5-2 within the league, rallied past Kennesaw State, 73-71, on Jan. 25. UTEP won for the first time this season when trailing at the half (1-3), in addition to overcoming a nine-point deficit (50-41) with 16:30 to play in regulation. The triumph allowed the Miners to pick up some momentum heading into a stretch with five of the next seven coming on the road, including matchups at WKU on Thursday, at Middle Tennessee on Saturday and at I-10 rival NM State on Feb. 8. The Toppers bounced Sam Houston, 75-66, on the road last time out on Jan. 25, which halted a two-contest losing streak and capped a run of three straight on the road on a high note. UTEP is 3-2 on the road and has claimed its past four CUSA road contests dating to last season. That marks the longest such streak since the Miners ripped off five in a row on the road in league play during the 2016-17 campaign (Jan. 28 to Feb. 25, 2017). The Toppers are a stout 9-2 at home and 21-4 inside E.A. Diddle Arena since the start of last year. UTEP will be looking for its first road triumph against WKU in its sixth trip to Bowling Green, Ky. The Miners' overall mark of 15-5 is their best through 20 games since standing 16-4 in 2010-11 in former head coach Tim Floyd's first season on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the 5-2 beginning to CUSA play is the top since standing 6-1 through seven contests in 2013-14 (got to 8-1, finished at 12-4). Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call for the game with the Toppers 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+ (subscription required).
 
SIXTH STRAIGHT WEEK IN COLLEGE INSIDER INC. MID MAJOR POLL
For the sixth consecutive week, UTEP has a spot in the College Insider Inc. Mid-Major Top-25 poll. The Miners are 24th in the most-recent edition after splitting at home last week. Liberty (No. 9) is the only other CUSA program to be in the poll, but Middle Tennessee, LA Tech, Jax State, WKU and NM State are all receiving votes. The poll is voted on by 31 Division I head coaches.
 
SERIES HISTORY: WKU LEADS, 11-2
WKU leads the series, 11-2, with the Toppers knocking off UTEP, 78-71, in the 2024 Conference USA Championship contest in the most-recent matchup. During the '23-24 regular season, the Miners snapped a seven-game winning streak by WKU in the series with a 93-87 home triumph on Jan. 20. WKU defended its home court later that season, 90-80, on Feb. 15. UTEP battled only to fall in the title tilt of the CUSA Championship, which marked the second consecutive campaign the that Toppers bested the Orange and Blue at the CUSA Tournament. Prior to the 2022-23 campaign, the two programs had not faced each other more than once in a season. UTEP's first win in the series came in OT (93-89, Feb. 6, 2016) in front of a capacity crowd as part of the 50-year celebration of the Miners winning the 1966 NCAA Championship vs. Kentucky, 72-65. UTEP is in search of its first victory at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky., with all of those matchups coming since WKU joined CUSA. 
 
GET TO KNOW WKU (12-8, 3-4 CUSA, 9-2 HOME, 3-6 AWAY, 0-0 NEUTRAL)
WKU, the defending Conference USA tournament champions, enter Thursday's matchup with the Miners at 12-8 overall and 3-4 within CUSA play. The Toppers have played five of their first seven league tilts on the road, and they are coming off a 75-66 road vanquishing of Sam Houston on Jan. 25. That stopped a two-game skid. WKU, which is 9-2 at home and 21-4 in Bowling Green, Ky., since the start of last season will now get to play back-to-back and five of the next seven inside E.A. Diddle Arena. The Toppers are one of the most veteran-laden teams in the country, boasting 13 seniors or grad students. They also have one junior, two sophomores and two freshmen. Setting the tone for WKU is one of those seniors, Don McHenry, who leads the way on both ends of the court. The 2024 All-CUSA First-Team honoree pours in 17.2 ppg (sixth CUSA) while also pacing the squad in steals per game (1.8-third CUSA). He has seven contests with 20+ points on the season. Three others join him in double figures, and they are in the form of Babacar Faye (15.2 ppg), Julius Thedford (12.4 ppg) and Khristian Lander (10.0 ppg), though Faye has not played since Dec. 14 due to an injury. Tyrone Marshall (9.5 ppg), a 2024 Honorable-Mention CUSA honoree, and Enoch Kalambay (8.6 ppg) have also been consistent scoring threats. Marshall is the top active rebounder at 6.5 rpg (11th CUSA), aided by pulling down 5.6 defensive rebounds per contest (fourth CUSA). Jalen Jackson runs the offense effectively with 2.2 assists per game while rating second on the squad for steals at 1.5 spg (11th CUSA). WKU is putting up 76.8 ppg while yielding 75.1 ppga, but it is fifth in CUSA and 49th in the country with a field-goal percentage defense of 40.7. The Toppers are also among CUSA and national leaders for free throws attempted per game (20.9-third/98th), free throws made per game (15.4-second/88th), defensive rebounds per game (28.9-second/ninth), total rebounds per game (38.2-fourth/72nd), steals per game (8.9-third/35th), 3-point percentage defense (fifth/58th), turnover margin (2.3-third/66th) and turnovers forced per game (13.9-third/70th). WKU has struggled with sharing the ball, rating last in the league for assists per game (12.1-295th NCAA). It also is 10th in CUSA for field-goal percentage (42.3-303rd NCAA). Notable university alumni include Romeo Crennel (former head coach of the Cleveland Browns & KC Chiefs), the late Duncan Hines (pioneer of restaurant ratings for travelers) and the late Cordell Hull (Secretary of State under FDR).
 
LOOKING BACK (AT UTEP 73, KENNESAW STATE 71, Jan. 25)
Otis Frazier III tallied 17 points to pace a quartet of Miners in double figures while also equaling the school record for steals (eight) as UTEP rallied back from a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat Kennesaw State, 73-71, in front of 5,300+ roaring fans at the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 25. The game featured three lead changes and six ties, and the Owls' 3-pointer to take the lead in the waning seconds didn't go. Frazier III pulled down the rebound to lock up the victory. Kevin Kalu (career-high 14 points), Elijah Jones (season-best 12 points) and Devon Barnes (10 points) joined Frazier III in double figures for scoring.
 
THAT'S A LOT OF STEALS
Otis Frazier III posted a school-record tying eight steals in the win vs. Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. It marks the second time of his career that he has equaled the record. He previously had eight vs. Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18, 2024. Edgar Moreno also had eight in a contest, doing so vs. DII program UTPB on Nov. 21, 2005.
 
IN RARE AIR
Otis Frazier III is the lone player in program history to have multiple games of eight steals, doing so vs. Kennesaw State (Jan. 25, 2025) and vs. Middle Tennessee (Jan. 18, 2024). Furthermore, he joins Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway as the lone players in program history with at least seven steals in four games. Frazier III has two with eight and two with seven while Hardaway had four with seven.
 
STILL PERFECT WITH FOUR IN DOUBLE DIGITS
Four different Miners hit double figures in scoring against Kennesaw State, improving them to 10-0 this season in the situation. 
 
WINNING CLOSE
With the two-point victory against Kennesaw State last time out on Jan. 25, UTEP improved to 7-2 on the year in two-possession games (decided by six points or less). That includes a mark of 4-0 at home in the situation. 
 
HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK
UTEP has won its past six games when coming off a loss, including standing 5-0 in the situation this year. Most recently the Miners knocked off Kennesaw State, 73-71, on Jan. 25 after falling previously to Jax State on Jan. 23.
 
AN HONOR WELL DESERVED
Otis Frazier III was voted as the CUSA men's basketball Player of the Week, the league office announced on Jan. 27. He is the first Miner this season to claim the honor while it marks the second time of his career that Frazier III has taken it home (Jan. 22, 2024). The senior averaged 17.0 points (50.0 percent shooting) 5.5 steals, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 32.3 mpg to help UTEP climb back into a three-way tie for first place in the league. 
 
WON THE SECOND HALF
UTEP was +6 (36-30) in the second half against Kennesaw State. That marked the second-biggest positive differential vs. a DI opponent over the final 20 minutes this year. UTEP was +12 (33-21) vs. Long Beach State (Nov. 26, 2024).
 
JONES COMING ALONG
Elijah Jones has two games of at least eight points in his past four appearances, putting up a season-high 12 vs. Kennesaw State and notching eight points at Liberty on Jan. 16. He matched his career best for free throws (three) while setting it for free throws attempted (four) in the win vs. the Owls, including a toss to stretch UTEP's lead two (73-71) after he came up with an offensive rebound and was fouled with 13 seconds left. Jones had not scored more than four points vs. a DI foe prior to his recent stretch of success. 
 
NO EASY NIGHTS IN CUSA PLAY
Seven of the 10 teams in Conference USA stand at .500 or better within league, including UTEP, Jax State and Middle Tennessee sharing first place at 5-2 in conference contests. 
 
RALLYING BACK
UTEP won for the first time this season (1-3) when trailing at the half. It was a four-point deficit (41-37) at the break, but that ballooned to nine (50-41) with 16:30 left in regulation. The Miners went on a 15-4 run over the next seven minutes to pull ahead, and even though the Owls kept fighting, UTEP never trailed again. 
 
PICKED UP THE D IN THE SECOND HALF
While UTEP was consistent in forcing turnovers throughout the tilt (13 forced in first half, nine forced in second), a big reason UTEP was able to forge a comeback vs. Kennesaw State in the second half was due to its on-ball defense. After making 51.6 percent (16-31) in the opening frame, the Owls were held to just 38.5 percent shooting (10-26) in the second half. 
 
LET THE BIG MEN EAT
6-9 post Kevin Kalu (career-high 14 points) and 6-8 post Elijah Jones (season-best 12 points) got things going down low, especially on the pick and roll with David Terrell Jr. (six assists in the game). The duo combined for 26 points while shooting 10-13 between them. Both made key plays down the stretch as Kalu had a dunk with 1:03 left to nudge UTEP's margin to three. After KSU was back within one, Jones came up with an offensive rebound and was fouled. He split the pair to edge the Miners back out by two (73-71) with 13 seconds left, and the defense did the rest.
 
TURNED THEM OVER PLENTY OF TIMES
UTEP harassed Kennesaw State into 22 turnovers, which were converted into 26 points. The giveaways by the Owls also allowed the Miners to get out and run, as they finished with 16 fastbreak points. It marked the seventh time this season the opposition has committed at least 20 giveaways. UTEP has one such game.
 
BATTLED ON THE BOARDS
Kennesaw State entered the contest as the second-best rebounding team in the league (+6.7 margin-32nd NCAA), aided by pacing the league and rating 13th nationally at 14.3 offensive rebounds per game. The Owls did end up holding a 43-29 advantage on the glass, including 13 snagging offensive boards, but the margin was much closer in the second half (18-16, KSU). Furthermore, when it mattered most, the Miners got the rebound. Otis Frazier III pulled down the board after a miss on a potential go-ahead 3-pointer from the Owls, and he held onto it as time expired.
 
TERRELL JR. DID IT ALL
David Terrell Jr. did everything across the board with eight points to go along with team bests in both rebounds (six) and assists (career-high tying six) in the win against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. The sophomore was even more impressive defensively, holding six-time CUSA Freshman of the Week Adrian Wooley (entered at 18.6 ppg) to seven points on 3-10 shooting. 
 
ANOTHER BIG SHOT FROM BYNUM
Ahamad Bynum has shown the ability to knock down shots in key moments throughout the year, and he hit another big one in the victory against Kennesaw State. He drilled a corner 3-pointer as part of a 9-0 run that tied the tilt and forced a timeout by KSU. UTEP capped it the surge and pulled ahead with a score on the next possession. Overall, Bynum tallied eight points, two steals, two rebounds and two assists while starting in place of Corey Camper Jr.
 
GET THAT WEAK STUFF OUTTA HERE
Derick Hamilton swatted a career-best shots in the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. He added five rebounds (tied second on the team), including a game-high three offensive boards, to go along with one assist in a very active nine minutes of action. Elijah Jones (two) added two rejections while Kevin Kalu had one to help UTEP tie its season high for blocks at six.
 
MAKING FREE THROWS WHEN IT MATTERS
UTEP finished 16-23 (69.6 percent) at the charity stripe against Kennesaw State, but the Miners were 10-12 in the department in the second half. It marked the fifth time this season that UTEP has missed two free throws or less over the final 20 minutes of action. The Miners are 4-1 in those games (7-7 UTPB, 14-14 Seattle U, 11-12 NM State, 10-12 Liberty), with the lone loss in the situation coming to NM State. 
  
TAKING GOOD CARE OF THE BALL
For the first time this season, the Miners have had single-digit turnover totals in back-to-back contests. UTEP had eight against Jax State on Jan. 23 and nine in the win vs. Kennesaw State last time out. Furthermore, the Orange and Blue have now committed less than 10 turnovers in three of the past four games and four times total in seven CUSA tilts. The effort, coupled with UTEP pacing the country with 18.0 turnovers forced per game, has vaulted it into seventh nationally with a +5.7 turnover margin on the season. The Miners easily lead Conference USA in the category, with the next closest team being Liberty at +2.3.
 
KALU CLEANING UP THE BOARDS
Kevin Kalu, who tops UTEP in rebounding at 5.3 boards per game (tied 17th), has pulled down at least eight rebounds in five different games this season. The only other Miners on the campaign to have recorded at least eight rebounds in a contest are Otis Frazier III (11 vs. LA Tech, Jan. 2) and David Terrell Jr. (nine at Liberty, Jan. 16).
 
TERRELL JR. MAKING LEAPS AND BOUNDS AT THE POINT
David Terrell Jr. has been racking up the assists of late, but just as importantly, he is taking care of the ball as well. Since the start of Conference USA play, the sophomore has dished out 31 dimes while committing just 12 turnovers for a team-leading 2.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. That is aided by at least five helpers in four of the seven CUSA contests No one else has more than 15 assists since the onset of league play. In his 12 nonconference appearances (missed one game) Terrell Jr. registered 27 assists while also turning it over 27 times. 
 
FRAZIER III'S OFFENSIVE TEAR
Otis Frazier III has been piling up the points lately, stringing together 11 straight games of double-digit scoring efforts to more than double his prior long such stretch (five to begin the season). The senior, who is averaging 15.9 points per game during the surge, has elevated his seasonal average from 12.9 ppg to 14.6 ppg (tied eighth CUSA) as result. He has knocked down multiple 3-pointers five times during the 11-contest sequence (45.5 percent of the tilts) after doing so three times over the first nine games (33.3 percent of the games) of the season. 
 
HORTON III STARTING TO FIND HIS STROKE
Trey Horton III is 2-4 from 3-point range the past three games. The effort has showed that he's starting to emerge from a skid in which he was 2-11 from downtown in the prior six contests. 
 
BOMBS AWAY FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Ahamad Bynum enters Thursday's matchup at WKU knocking down 51.1 percent (47-92) from 3-point range. That would lead the nation, but he is just shy (2.47 per game) of the NCAA's required standard of 2.50 triples per tilt. His 2.47 3-pointers per contest rates sixth in CUSA. There are still 11 games remaining in the regular season, but Bynum is on track to break the UTEP single-season record for 3-point percentage. That mark is currently held by Roy Smallwood (1999-00), who was 28-61 (45.9 percent) as a freshman. 
 
VIDEO-GAME LIKE NUMBERS
Ahamad Bynum has drained multiple 3-pointers in 14 different games, including nine with three of more. His 51.1 percent (47-92) from beyond-the-arc would top Caleb Grill's (Missouri) readout of 48.3 (43-89) for the top spot in the country, but Bynum's 2.47 treys per tilt are not enough to meet the required 2.50 makes per game. 
 
FROM DOWNTOWN
UTEP has been crisp from beyond-the-arc, connecting on 38.2 percent (154-403) on triples (second CUSA/23rd NCAA). Leading the charge has Ahamad Bynum. He is drilling a sensational 51.1 percent (47-92) from beyond-the-arc. UTEP is accounting for 7.7 triples per game, thanks largely to Bynum (2.5-sixth CUSA), Devon Barnes (1.6-tied 16th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (1.4-tied 19th CUSA).
 
MAKING TRIPLES LEADS TO WINS
UTEP has connected on at least seven 3-pointers in 13 games this year, holding an 10-3 mark in those contests. 
 
THE NEED FOR THAT LEAD WITH FIVE MINUTES LEFT
UTEP is 15-0 on the year when leading with five minutes to play, but the Miners are 0-4 when trailing at that juncture and 0-1 when the tilt is tied in that situation. UTEP was up by three (66-63) with five minutes remaining last time out, and the Miners did enough down the stretch to knock off Kennesaw State, 73-71. 
 
TURNOVERS TO POINTS
UTEP is accounting for 21.0 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 12.6 ppg in the category. UTEP is 14-2 when winning the category this year and 1-3 when failing to do so.
 
HOW SWEEP IT IS
UTEP swept its road swing through the Eastern Time Zone two weeks ago, knocking off Liberty (72-70, Jan. 16) and FIU (81-73, Jan. 18). It marked the first time the Miners swept a trip to the Eastern Time Zone since 2016-17 when they knocked off FAU and FIU in back-to-back tilts. 
 
THAT'S HOW YOU START CUSA ROAD PLAY
UTEP is off to a 2-0 start in Conference USA road games for the first time since the 2014-15 season. That year, the Miners won their first three league road contests on the way to finishing at 5-4 in CUSA road matchups.
 
STREAKING ON THE ROAD
UTEP has won four straight CUSA road contests dating to last year. That is the longest such surge since the Miners peeled off five in a row in hostile territory in league action during the 2016-17 season (Jan. 28 to Feb. 25, 2017).
 
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT IN HOSTILE TERRITORY
With the two road wins two weeks ago, the Miners improved to 3-2 on the road this year. It is a stark contrast from the past two seasons. UTEP was 2-9 on the road last year and 3-10 in 2022-23. The last time the Orange and Blue had a winning road mark was head coach Joe Golding's first season on the sidelines with the Miners when he directed the squad to a 7-6 record. 
 
OTIS IS ON TARGET FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Otis Frazier III has been locked in of late from 3-point range. He is 10-21 (47.6 percent) from beyond-the-arc the past five contests. The effort has lifted his seasonal average to 32.9 percent (27-82). Furthermore, he has connected on at least three triples on four occasions this year. That happened twice in his career prior to this season.
 
THAT'S CONSISTENT SUCCESS
With the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25, the Miners have secured at least five victories in each of the first three months of the season. That hadn't happened since the 2010-11 campaign, which was also the last time the Miners won at least 15 of their first 20 games. In 2010-11, UTEP stood at 16-4 at this juncture (got to 17-4) before finishing at 25-10. 
 
TALKING 20-POINT EFFORTS FOR OTIS
Otis Frazier III put together four 20+ scoring efforts over his first 98 collegiate contests (including one at George Mason), with three of those coming as a Miner. After his season-high 22-point outburst at FIU on Jan. 18, he has now posted a trio of 20+ tilts this year alone. 
 
TALKING PRESSURE BASKETS
For the second straight season and third time under head coach Joe Golding, the Miners won a game in which they took the lead on their final possession of the game. Ahamad Bynumdrilled a pull-up jumper with 2.9 seconds to provide the difference in the 72-70 triumph at Liberty on Jan. 16. In 2023-24, Tae Hardy buried a 3-pointer as the horn sounded to lift UTEP past then Pac-12 member Cal, 75-72, in the SoCal Challenge on Nov. 20, 2024. The only other time it has occurred in the Golding era was his first season when Alfred Hollins tipped in a missed shot to beat the buzzer in a 70-68 home victory against FAU on Jan 27, 2022. Making Bynum's play, unique, is that it came in front of a hostile crowd of more than 3,500 fans. 
 
START FAST AND WIN
UTEP scored first and enjoyed an early 7-2 lead at Liberty on the way to the 72-70 vanquishing of the Flames on Jan. 16. The Miners are 10-1 on the year when getting on the board first. They are 5-4 when opponents do so.
 
ON THE WAY TO 1,000 CAREER POINTS
Otis Frazier III hit double figures in scoring for the 11th consecutive contest by tallying 17 points against Kennesaw State last time out on Jan. 25. He now boasts 958 career points (871 as a Miner) in his collegiate career. The senior is averaging a squad-best 14.6 points per game (tied eighth CUSA) as he marches closer to the milestone. 
 
WINNING CLOSE ON THE ROAD
With the 72-70 victory at Liberty on Jan. 16, the Miners secured their second road win of the season (now 3-2). Making the matters more impressive is that both were by three points or less. UTEP bested UCSB, 79-76, on Nov. 20. It is the first time since head coach Joe Golding'sopening season (2021-22) to produce two such victories.

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 (0.9-tied ninth CUSA) and steals per contest (2.4-second CUSA/19th NCAA).
 
SPREAD THE WEALTH, WIN GAMES
UTEP had four individuals in double figures for scoring last time out in the win against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. That improved the Miners to 10-0 this season when four or more players produce 10+ points in a tilt together. On the other end of the spectrum, though, UTEP stands 1-4 on the campaign when two players or less tally at least 10 points.
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
UTEP has been nearly unbeatable (10-1) this year when shooting it better than the opposition, but things are a bit murkier (5-4) when foes outshoot the Miners.
 
DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN, BUT WE WIN WHEN IT DOES
UTEP has only won the rebounding battle four times this year, and not surprisingly with how many other things they do well, the Miners are undefeated (4-0) 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. 
 
Attacking The Rim
UTEP is making 15.2 free throws per game (third CUSA/96th NCAA) on 21.2 attempts per contest (second CUSA/80th NCAA). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating ninth in CUSA and 305th in the country by committing 19.0 fouls per game. Incredibly, the Miners (424) have taken free throw than their opponents (418).
 
BUILDING BIG LEADS
UTEP has been up by double digits in 13 different games this year, winning all of those games. The Miners have enjoyed advantages of at least 20 points in eight 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 73.4 points per game. There are still 11 games left in the regular season, 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 68.1 ppg (third CUSA/81st NCAA).  
 
GETTING AFTER IT ON DEFENSE TOO
Foes have been held to 68.1 points per game (third CUSA/81st NCAA), in part due to the Orange and Blue pacing the country in both steals per game (11.0) and turnovers forced per contest (18.0). The readout of 68.1 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 11.0 steals per game, a feat it achieved least year at 11.4 spg. Dating to the beginning of last season, the Miners have registered at least seven steals in 50 of the past 53 contests.
 
CONSISTENT AS THEY COME
Otis Frazier III has registered double figures in scoring in 17 of the 20 games this season, including riding a current 11-contest streak. That more than doubles his prior best surge (first five tilts this season). He has scored in every game this year and the past 68 overall. Last year he had 20 double-digit scoring efforts in 34 appearances.
 
 
FRAZIER III IN THE TOP 10 FOR CAREER STEALS
Otis Frazier III has piled up 47 steals on the year, with 32 in the past 10 games (15 in first 10). Most recently, he tied the UTEP single-game school record for steals with eight against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. He heads into the contest at WKU with 149 career steals as a Miner (joined team in 2022-23 as a transfer from George Mason), putting him seventh all-time at the school. Next in his line of sight are Johnny Melvin (1988-89, 90-93) and Prince Stewart(1987-90, 91-92), who are tied for fifth at 154. He is averaging 2.4 steals per game (second CUSA/19th 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).
 
STEALS IN BUNCHES FOR CAMPER JR. 
Corey Camper Jr., who leads CUSA and is 13th nationally at 2.4 steals per contest, has been a constant pest for the opposition. The senior has registered multiple steals in 15 of his 19 appearances, 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 WKU with 424 total boards. Otis Frazier III has the lead for career boards (437) for players on the squad, but Kalu has the edge in terms of rebounds as a Miner (424-376).
 
Surpassing 80 Means Good Things
UTEP tallied 81 points at FIU on Jan. 18, tying its second-highest total (also 81 vs. Sam Houston) 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 4-0 on the year and 20-4 under head coach Joe Golding when putting up at least 80 points. 
 
SCORING LESS THAN 70 DOES NOT
UTEP has found ways to win when its offense isn't clicking completely, but the Miners are under .500 (3-4) when failing to eclipse 70 in a contest. 
 
CAMPER JR. IS COOKING
Corey Camper Jr. has hit double figures in four of the past seven games, and he was on the way to another double-digit effort before missing the final 17:46 of the contest vs. Jax State on Jan. 23.  He had seven points at the time of his exit. He did not play against Kennesaw State. Camper Jr. is putting up 11.6 ppg (second on team/17th CUSA). Camper Jr. is also sharing the ball effectively with 2.5 assists per game (third on squad/15th CUSA). The senior has really made a name for himself with his defense as well, topping CUSA and checking in 13th 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 1.6 triples per tilt rating tied for 16th 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 fourth on the team in scoring (10.2). He is second on the team for 3-pointers made (31), attempted (84) and percentage (36.9, minimum 15 makes).
 
DUE TO BUST OUT OF FUNK FROM DISTANCE
Devon Barnes has proven to be a big threat from distance this year, so it's only a matter of time before he breaks out of a mini slump. Barnes is 4-19 from beyond-the-arc (21.1 percent) the past six games. He did, however, connect on 4-7 from 2-point range and 2-3 at the charity stripe last time out to finish with 10 points in the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. 
 
FRAZIER III GETTING AFTER IT ON THE GLASS
Otis Frazier III, who is second on the team in overall rebounding (5.0 rpg-tied 22nd CUSA), is on track to lead the Miners in offensive boards for the second straight season. He is pulling down 1.9 orpg (tied 11th CUSA), up a bit from his effort of 1.7 (tied 13th CUSA) last year. Frazier III is also among the top 25 in the league for defensive rebounds per game at 3.1 (tied 23rd CUSA).
 
PILED UP 10 WINS OUT OF CONFERENCE
UTEP (now 15-5 overall, 5-2 CUSA) entered Conference USA action at 10-3. It marked the first time that the Miners hit double figures in victories prior to CUSA play since going 10-5 in 2013-14.  
 
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 over his first nine games, but he has been much better since. He is 33-44 (75.0 percent) to elevate his season readout to 63.3 (38-60).
 
SHUTTING THEM DOWN
UTEP moved to 8-0 on the season when allowing 65 points or less in a game in the 70-60 vanquishing of LA Tech on Jan. 2. The Miners' scoring defense is at 68.1 ppga (third CUSA/81st NCAA) heading into the matchup at WKU.
 
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 (nine) 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 (68) and Devon Barnes (50) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (24) and David Terrell Jr. (22) each have put up points in at least 20 straight contests. No one else on the roster has a stretch close to that (DI only).
 
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 (11.0) and turnovers forced per contest (18.0). UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season. 
 
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER ON OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 14.6 ppg-tied eighth CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 11.6 ppg-17th CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-10.9 ppg-23rd and Devon Barnes-10.2 ppg) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one player. There are still 11 games left in the regular season, 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 54.5 percent (275-505) of their field goals. David Terrell Jr.(3.1 apg-10th CUSA), Otis Frazier III (2.8 apg-tied 14th CUSA), Corey Camper Jr. (2.5 apg-15th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (1.8 apg-25th 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 (14.5 ppg-tied eighth), assists (2.8 apg-tied 12th), steals (2.4 spg-second CUSA/19th NCAA), blocks (0.9-tied ninth) and free-throw percentage (78.7-seventh). The senior tops the Miners in scoring and blocks while rating second for assists, free-throw percentage and steals. He also leads the team in both free throws made (70) and attempted (89) and double-digit scoring efforts (17).
 
CAN'T CONTAIN COREY
Corey Camper Jr., who missed the game against Kennesaw State last time out on Jan. 25, has been a handful for the opposition at both ends of the court this year. He tops the team in free-throw percentage (79.6-not enough makes to qualify for rankings), minutes played (31.6-tied ninth CUSA) and steals (2.4-first CUSA/13th NCAA). Camper Jr. is second on the team for scoring (11.6 ppg-17th CUSA) and third in assists (2.5-15th CUSA). He has reached double figures in scoring in four of his past six appearances and 12 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 20 fouls the last eight games. Terrell Jr. tied his career high for assists (six) last time out against Kennesaw State. He is now dishing out 3.1 assists per game (10th CUSA) to lead the squad, aided by a readout of 4.4 apg during league action. He is also fifth on the team in scoring at 7.4 ppg while rating fourth on the squad in steals (1.3-tied 14th).
 
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 10.2 ppg to go along with 1.6 steals per game (tied fourth CUSA). He is second on the team for both 3-pointers made (31) and 3-pointers attempted (84). That results in 1.6 treys made per contest (tied 16th CUSA). Barnes is also good at getting to the line, rating second on UTEP in free throws made (54) and attempted (75). He has been a consistent scorer with 11 double-digit efforts. 
 
BYNUM FROM DOWNTOWN
Ahamad Bynum has been sensational off the bench, pacing all Miner reserves and rating third on the squad at 10.9 ppg (23rd CUSA). He did, however, start last time out against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25 in place of Corey Camper Jr. Bynum is knocking down 51.1 percent (47-92) from 3-point range, which would top the country, but he is just shy (2.47) of the necessary 2.5 makes per game. He has hit multiple 3-pointers in 14 of his 19 appearances, with four games of four or more made. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 13 times. He has compiled 10 double-digit efforts off the bench and 11 times total. The other reserves have six such games.
 
KALU'S GETTING IT DONE
Kevin Kalu averaged 3.2 points per game through his first three seasons, but he is more than doubling that (6.7 ppg) that output as a senior. Kalu has six double-digit scoring efforts on the season, including a career-best 14 against Kennesaw State last time out on Jan. 25, after doing so twice in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 64.1 percent (50-78) from the floor while still playing his patented outstanding defense, particularly on ball screens.  He tops the team in rebounding (5.3 rpg-tied 17th CUSA) and is second for blocked shots (0.6-tied 18th CUSA). 
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DIGIT STEALS UNDER GOLDING
UTEP has produced 49 games with at least 10 steals under head coach Joe Golding, including doing so 10 times this year. To put the 49 tilts with 10+ thefts into perspective, consider that it is one more than the Miners amassed (48) 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 11.0 steals per contest. They are also forcing a NCAA-best 18.0 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 (11.0) and turnovers forced per game (18.0). UTEP accounts for three of the top seven and four of the top 15. Corey Camper Jr. is first in the league at 2.42 spg (13th NCAA), followed by Otis Frazier III (2.35-second CUSA/19th NCAA), Devon Barnes (1.6-tied fourth CUSA) and David Terrell Jr. (1.3-tied 14th CUSA).
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 287th in the country by attempting 20.2 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 38.2 percent (154-403) from beyond-the-arc. Ahamad Bynum sets the tone at 51.1 percent (47-92), which would lead the nation but he is shy of the 2.5 makes per game at 2.47. Devon Barnes has been a difference maker as well, filling up 36.9 percent (31-84) from beyond-the-arc for 1.6 treys per tilt (tied 16th CUSA).
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
UTEP has made equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 14 of 20 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 154-403 (38.2 percent-second CUSA/23rd NCAA) compared to an effort of 129-416 (31.0 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 strides as a senior, having hit 39-49 (79.6 percent, not enough makes to qualify for CUSA/NCAA ratings). It's a similar story for Otis Frazier III. Last year, he was at 65.5 percent (91-139). As a senior, he's elevated those numbers to 78.7 percent (70-89), which is seventh in CUSA among qualifiers.
 
CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE
UTEP's pressure is causing fits for opponents. The Miners head into the tilt at WKU leading the country in both steals per game (11.0 spg) and turnovers forced per game (18.0). 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 15.0 fastbreak points per game, which is first in CUSA and 18th nationally. 
 
SPREADING THE PLAYING TIME
Head coach Joe Golding has done a fine job of spreading the wealth with playing time, with nine different Miners (min. 10 games played) averaging at least 10.0 minutes per game. Corey Camper Jr. (31.6 mpg, tied ninth CUSA), Otis Frazier III (29.1 mpg), David Terrell Jr. (28.3 mpg) and Devon Barnes (25.4) are all above 25.0 mpg. Kevin Kalu (21.5 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (20.4 mpg), Trey Horton III (12.1 mpg), Elijah Jones (10.2 mpg) and Baylor Hebb (10.3) 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 (64,002) and average attendance (5,333).
 
HOME COOKING
UTEP has posted 10+ wins in six straight years, including standing at 10-2 in El Paso this season. There are four home games left on the docket for the regular season. A highlight of nonconference play was the Miners winning the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, marking the second straight campaign that they've taken home the title.  
 
PRESEASON PREMONITIONS
UTEP was predicted to finish tied for fifth in the Conference USA preseason poll (currently tied for first heading to game at WKU), 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 225-197 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 67-53 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is on his way to another at 15-5 thus far in 2024-25. Golding recently moved past Marshall Pennington (63-83, 1937-43) to take over fifth place on the school's career charts. He needs 12 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 will continue its three-game roadswing when it plays at Middle Tennessee at 1 p.m. MT/2 p.m. CT on 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 contest will also stream on ESPN+ (subscription required).