Game Notes In PDF Format


OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (15-6, 5-3 CUSA) will look to gain a road split for the week when it competes at Middle Tennessee (14-7, 5-3 CUSA) at 1 p.m. MT/2 p.m. CT Saturday. The Miners were held off, 78-74, at WKU on Jan. 30 while the Blue Raiders fell at home to NM State, 61-57. Both teams played their respective contests without a starter. Corey Camper Jr., UTEP's second-leading scorer, missed his second straight game for the Miners. Essam Mostafa, the top rebounder in CUSA and No. 2 scorer for Middle Tennessee, was a late scratch for the Blue Raiders against the Aggies. UTEP and MT sit in a four-way tie for second place in the league with Liberty and NM State (all 5-3) while Jax State holds onto first place at 6-2. UTEP has won its past six games coming off a loss, including standing 5-0 in the situation this year. It will have its work cut out to keep that streak intact with the Blue Raiders sporting a record of 8-2 at home on the campaign. UTEP is 3-3 on the road. Middle Tennessee will have a chip on its shoulder, entering the matching with the Miners having dropped back-to-back contests for the first time this season. Saturday's game is the first of two meetings on the campaign between the programs, with the Blue Raiders serving as UTEP's "Senior Day" opponent on March 1. The tilt is the second of three straight on the road while also continuing a stretch of five of seven away from home (0-1 thus far in sequence). UTEP has been consistent throughout the year, winning five games in each of the first three months of the year. Saturday's contest marks the first of seven contests in the month of February for the Orange and Blue, with four on the road and three at home. The game will be the fourth during the day for UTEP this year (2-1). Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call for the game with the Blue Raiders 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: MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEADS, 11-7
Middle Tennessee holds an 11-7 advantage in the series with UTEP, with both sides successfully defending their home courts last year. The Miners upended the Blue Raiders, 73-59, on Jan. 18, 2024, before falling in a heart breaker, 96-90, in double overtime on Feb. 17, 2024. UTEP had chances to win it in both regulation and overtime, but both shots at the buzzer were off the mark. The Blue Raiders have claimed the past three meetings with the Miners in the Murphy Center, helping them hold a 7-2 mark in that venue vs. UTEP. The Orange and Blue's last road win in the series was in 2019-20 (W, 60-56, March 4, 2020). All 18 matchups between the programs have occurred since the Blue Raiders joined Conference USA for the 2013-14 campaign. 
 
GET TO KNOW MIDDLE TENNESSEE (14-7, 5-3 CUSA, 8-2 HOME, 4-4 AWAY, 2-1 NEUTRAL)
Middle Tennessee burst out of the gates at 5-1 on the way to finishing at 9-4 in nonconference action. Some notable wins prior to league play included dispatching Ohio (83-81, Nov. 21), besting former CUSA member UAB on the road (76-69, Dec. 1) and knocking off Lipscomb (67-65, Dec. 19). After the Blue Raiders split their first two CUSA road contests (W,73-69 at FIU, Jan. 2, L, 73-63 at Liberty, Jan. 4), they ripped off four straight on the way to climbing into sole possession of first place of the league. MT was upended at LA Tech, 75-69, on Jan. 25 to halt the winning streak and drop into a three-way tie atop the standings. The Blue Raiders now stand in a four-way tie for second place in CUSA after falling in their second consecutive contest, 61-57, last time out against NM State on Jan. 30. It marks the first two-game losing streak of the season for the squad. Overall, MT enters the matchup with the Miners at 14-7, including 5-3 in league play. It has been especially good at home, standing 8-2, although they fell inside the Murphy Center last time out against the Aggies. Even with that loss, the Blue Raiders are a ridiculous 46-10 at home since the start of the 2021-22 campaign. Jestin Porter (16.0 ppg-seventh CUSA) sets the tone offensively, and he loves the 3-point shot. He is 57-154 from distance (115-270) overall. He has a readout of 37.0 percent from beyond-the-arc (fourth CUSA/94th NCAA), and he makes 2.7 treys per game (fourth CUSA/73rd NCAA). Porter is a two-way player, though, who also tops the team in steals at 1.4 per game (tied 11th CUSA). He is rarely off the court, averaging 32.9 minutes of playing time per contest (fourth CUSA). Essam Mostafa (13.4 ppg-13th CUSA), Camryn Weston (11.9 ppg-16th CUSA) and Jlynn Counter (10.5 ppg) join him in double digits for scoring, helping the Blue Raiders produce 76.6 points per game. Mostafa, who did not play in the contest against the Aggies, is a beast on the boards, pacing CUSA at 8.9 rpg (38th NCAA). He is the top offensive rebounder in the league (3.4-28th NCAA) while also accounting for 5.5 defensive boards per contest (fourth CUSA/84th NCAA). His well-rounded abilities have helped him record nine double-doubles (first CUSA/12th NCAA) while shooting a sensational 59.2 percent from the floor (second USA/19th NCAA). Counter (3.2 apg-eighth CUSA) and Weston (3.1-tied ninth CUSA) are both solid distributors of the basketball, with Counter doing an especially good job of taking care of it (+2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio-fourth CUSA/92nd NCAA). The Blue Raiders are the second-best team in the nation at guarding the 3-point shot, with foes making only 27.8 percent from distance (128-461). They are also among the league or national leaders for bench points per game (24.7-third/89th), blocked shots (4.3 bpg-fourth CUSA/67th NCAA), field-goal percentage defense (41.7-93rd NCAA), defensive rebounds per game (26.5-sixth/67th), total rebounds per game (38.1-third/70th) and winning percentage (66.7 percent-fourth/80th). Notable university alumni include Kelly Holcomb (NFL QB, including with the Cleveland Browns, from 1995-2007) and James McGill Buchanan (Nobel Prize Winner).
 
LOOKING BACK (AT WKU 78, UTEP 74, Jan. 30)
UTEP went back-and-forth with WKU before succumbing late in a 78-74 road setback inside E.A. Diddle Arena on Jan. 30. The Miners unleashed a 10-0 run to vault ahead of the Toppers by five (59-54, 10:19, 2H) midway through the second half. UTEP was still ahead (68-66) with 3:06 to play only to have WKU score the next six points, and the Miners never led again. They did have a chance to tie things at 72 apiece with 1:22 left after Otis Frazier III was fouled while knocking down a corner 3-pointer. The free throw to complete the four-point play and tie the tilt didn't go, however. WKU scored the next four points in the contest, and it held on for the win. 
 
KEPT THEM OFF THE OFFENSIVE GLASS
UTEP held WKU to an opponent season-low tying four offensive rebounds, with two coming in each half.
 
BACK-TO-BACK GAMES WITH 14 STEALS
UTEP has recorded 14 steals in back-to-back contests. The Miners now boast 11 games with 10 or more thefts this year, with three of those coming in league play.
 
ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END
UTEP was 2-0 in CUSA road play for the first time in 10 years before falling at WKU on Jan. 30. The setback also halted a four-game CUSA road winning streak that dated to last season.
 
ANOTHER CHANCE TO BOUNCE BACK
UTEP was edged at WKU, 78-74, on Jan. 30, giving the Miners the opportunity to once again prove their resolve at Middle Tennessee on Saturday. 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.
 
LOTS OF BACK-AND-FORTH GAMES LATELY
Over the first 16 games of the season, the Miners had one contest (L, 77-74, at Louisville, Dec. 11) that had at least nine lead changes (13 against the Cardinals). There were nine lead swaps at WKU, marking the third time in the past five contests that UTEP played a game with nine or more lead changes. There were 12 at Liberty (W, 72-70, Jan. 16) and 10 vs. Jax State (L, 73-66, Jan. 23). 
 
PLENTY OF TIES THROUGHOUT THE TILT TOO
UTEP's 78-74 loss at WKU on Jan. 30 featured 10 ties. That equals the most deadlocks in a contest for the Miners this season. The respective matchups at Louisville (Dec. 11) and vs. Jax State (Jan. 23) also had 10 ties. 
 
DROPPING DIMES
UTEP guards David Terrell Jr. (eight) and Devon Barnes (six) both set career highs for assists in the game at WKU on Jan. 30. It marks the first time that a pair of Miners had at least six helpers against a DI opponent since Zid Powell (seven) and Calvin Solomon (six) did so in a 71-63 vanquishing of Austin Peay on Nov. 17, 2023. 
 
THAT'S MORE LIKE IT WITH TURNOVERS
After a stretch of four straight games with the opposition making 15 turnovers or less, something hadn't happened in two years (Jan. 28 through Feb. 9, 2023) by Miner foes, the past three opponents have been forced into a combined 57 giveaways (17 vs. Jax State, Jan. 23, 22 vs. Kennesaw State, Jan. 25 and 18 at WKU, Jan. 30). Overall, UTEP continues to lead the nation in both steals per game (11.1) and turnovers forced per game (18.0).
 
STACKING GOOD SHOOTING GAMES AT THE LINE
UTEP drained 79.2 percent (19-24) at the charity stripe at WKU on Jan. 30. The Miners have seven games this season where they've nailed at least 75.0 percent from the free-throw line. Four of those have happened since the start of CUSA play. UTEP is making 75.6 percent (121-160) in eight league contests to improve upon its readout of 70.1 percent (202-288) during nonconference play. 
 
MOST POINTS AS A MINER FOR HEBB
Baylor Hebb came off the bench to tally eight points at WKU on Jan. 30. The eight points mark his most in his 34 appearances as a Miner since joining the team as a transfer from Colorado State last year. He did most of the damage from distance, equaling his career highs for both 3-pointers made (two) and attempted (three) while logging 18 minutes of action.
BACK-TO-BACK DOUBLE DIGITS FOR JONES
Sophomore Elijah Jones has hit double digits in scoring in back-to-back games, tallying a season-high 12 points against Kennesaw State (Jan. 25) while again coming off the bench to score 10 points at WKU on Jan. 30. He had a pair of double-digit scoring efforts as a freshman, doing so in each of the first two games as a Miner. The competition level wasn't the same level, however, with Jones notching 19 points apiece against DIII member McMurry (Nov. 6, 2023) and NAIA program USAO (Nov. 9, 2023). 
 
PICKING UP HIS OFFENSE
After averaging 1.9 points per game through his first 16 games this season, Elijah Jones has picked things up of late. He is accounting for 7.2 ppg in the five contests since, aided by an eight-point effort at Liberty (Jan. 16) and back-to-back double-digit scoring games (season-high 12 vs. Kennesaw State, Jan. 25, 10 points at WKU, Jan. 30).  He is a sizzling 14-21 (66.7 percent) from the floor during the hot streak. Jones has been especially assertive of late, making 6-8 at the charity stripe the past two tilts. He was 3-4 from the line in each of those games, which tie as his career best for both categories. 
 
FIRST LOSS WITH FOUR IN DOUBLE DIGITS
David Terrell Jr. (15 points) Otis Frazier III (11 points), Devon Barnes (10 points) and Elijah Jones (10 points) all reached double figures in points, but UTEP was upended at WKU, 78-74, on Jan. 30. It marked the first time this season (10-1) that the Miners sustained a loss when having four or more players produce double-digit scoring efforts. 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.
 
BENCH DELIVERED 20+ POINTS AGAIN
UTEP's bench produced 20 points at WKU on Jan. 30, marking the fourth time in the past five contests that the Orange and Blue got at least 20 points from the backups. The Miners did not reach that figure in each of their first three league contests. Overall, on the season, UTEP has registered 20+ points from the pine in 14 of 21 contests. That has helped the Miners put up 23.6 points per game from the bench, slotting them just shy of the top-100 nationally (105th). 
 
FOUR MORE STEALS FOR OTIS
After tying the school record for steals for the second time of his career with eight in the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25, Otis Frazier III came up with a team-high tying four more thefts at WKU on Jan. 30. He has registered at least two steals in five straight and 10 of the past 11 games. Incredibly enough, though, that is not the longest streak of his career. Frazier III peeled off seven in a row last year, including matching the single-game school standard with eight in a home victory against Middle Tennessee on Jan. 18, 2024. 
 
WHAT A DUO FOR DEFENSE
Otis Frazier III's surge of steals has elevated him to a CUSA leading 2.43 steals per game (13th NCAA), just in front of teammate Corey Camper Jr. (2.42 spg-second CUSA/15th NCAA). Camper has missed the past two contests. There are still 10 games to play in the regular season, but UTEP has never had two players record at least 2.0 spg in the same season. In fact, there have been just six times total where it happened for a Miner. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Tim Hardaway accounted for three of those efforts, doing so in his sophomore (2.19-1986-87), junior (2.41-1987-88) and senior (2.82, 1988-89) seasons. Frazier III accomplished the feat last year (2.21), with former Miners Randy Culpepper (2.03, 2010-11) and Calvin Solomon (2.00, 2022-23) rounding out the list. 
 
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 Naismith Memorial Basketball 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.
 
FRAZIER III FLYING UP THE UTEP CAREER STEALS CHARTS
Otis Frazier III has registered a team-leading 51 steals on the season, with 36 of those coming in the past 11 games. The surge has elevated his career total as a Miner to 153, which has propelled him into seventh on the all-time charts at the school. He is two steals shy of taking sole possession of fifth place on the list. That is currently shared by Johnny Melvin (1988-89, 90-93) and Prince Stewart (1987-90, 91-92), who both were credited with 154 career steals with UTEP. The late, great Jeep Jackson (165, 1983-87) is fourth at the school. There is a significant gap after that, with career school record holder and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway (262, 1985-89) followed by Randy Culpepper (251, 2007-11) and Julyan Stone (209, 2007-11).
 
CLOSING IN ON 1,000 CAREER POINTS
Otis Frazier III extended his double-digit scoring streak to 12 games with an 11-point effort at WKU on Jan. 30. He now boasts 969 career points (882 as a Miner) in his collegiate career. The senior paces UTEP at 14.4 ppg (eighth CUSA), putting him on track to reach the milestone over the next few contests.
 
NO EASY NIGHTS IN CUSA PLAY
Eight of the 10 teams in Conference USA stand at .500 or better within league play, and just two games separate first-place Jax State (6-2), and a trio of squads tied for eighth place at 4-4. The Miners enter the matchup at Middle Tennessee with a mark of 5-3 in CUSA play, which puts them in a four-way tie for second place with LA Tech, Liberty, the Blue Raiders and NM State. 
 
WINNING CLOSE
Even with the 78-74 setback at WKU on Jan. 30, the Miners have been pretty solid this season in close contests. UTEP is now 7-3 on the year in two-possession games (decided by six points or less), including a mark of 4-0 at home. 
 
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. 
 
STILL ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION FOR TURNOVER MARGIN
After committing less than 10 turnovers in back-to-back games and three of the past four, UTEP had an off night in the department at WKU on Jan. 30. The Miners made 17 giveaways, tying for their most against a DI opponent this season. They offset that by forcing the Toppers into 18 giveaways. UTEP heads into the game at Middle Tennessee with a +5.4 turnover margin to rate seventh in the country. That figure easily leads Conference USA in the category, with the next closest team being Liberty at +2.9.
 
KALU CLEANING UP THE BOARDS
Kevin Kalu, who tops UTEP in rebounding at 5.4 boards per game (tied 17th CUSA), 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 39 dimes while committing just 16 turnovers for a team-leading 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. That is aided by at least five helpers in five of the eight CUSA contests, including a career-high eight at WKU last time out on Jan. 30. In his 12 nonconference appearances (missed one game) Terrell Jr. registered 27 assists while also turning it over 27 times. 
 
SCORING COMING ALONG TOO
David Terrell Jr. posted 15 points at WKU on Jan. 30, marking his sixth double-digit scoring total of the season, half of which have come since the onset of league action. He is account for 9.4 ppg in CUSA play, a solid leap from his 6.8 ppg in nonconference action this year. He pitched in 5.4 ppg as a freshman last year, aided by six contests with 10+ points.
 
FRAZIER III'S OFFENSIVE TEAR
Otis Frazier III has been piling up the points lately, stringing together 12 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 15.5 points per game during the surge, has elevated his seasonal average from 12.9 ppg to 14.4 ppg (eighth CUSA) as result. He has knocked down multiple 3-pointers six times during the 12-contest sequence (50.0 percent of the tilts) after doing so on three occasions over the first nine tilts (33.3 percent of the games) of the season. 
 
BOMBS AWAY FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Ahamad Bynum enters Saturday's matchup at Middle Tennessee knocking down 50.0 percent (49-98) from 3-point range. That would put him among the best in the nation, but he is just shy (2.45 per game) of the NCAA's required standard of 2.50 triples per tilt. His 2.45 3-pointers per contest rates sixth in CUSA. There are still 10 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. 
 
A TRIO TO WATCH
Ahamad Bynum (2.5 per game-sixth CUSA), Devon Barnes (1.6 per game-tied 16th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (1.4 per game-21st CUSA) have been UTEP's primary threats from on 3-pointers.
 
SHOOTING IT WELL & GUARDING IT TOO FROM DISTANCE
UTEP has been crisp from beyond-the-arc, connecting on 38.0 percent (163-429) on triples (third CUSA/24th NCAA). The Miners have also guarded the 3-point ball well, with foes being held to 136-438 (31.1 percent), which is 70th nationally. WKU was basically at that mark last time out, finishing at 31.8 percent (7-22) on triples. 
 
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 winless when either trailing (0-5) or tied (0-1) at that juncture. 
 
CONVERTING TURNOVERS INTO POINTS
UTEP is accounting for 20.9 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 12.9 ppg in the category. UTEP is 14-3 when winning the category this year and 1-3 when failing to do so. Two of those losses have come in the past three games with Corey Camper Jr. sidelined since early in the second half against Jax State on Jan. 23. 
 
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT IN HOSTILE TERRITORY
The Miners head into the game at Middle Tennessee at 3-3 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'sfirst season on the sidelines with the Miners when he directed the squad to a 7-6 record. 
 
THAT'S CONSISTENT SUCCESS
With the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25, the Miners 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. 
 
WHAT PRESSURE?
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
The Miners sustained just their second loss this season when scoring first. UTEP, which grabbed an early 5-0 edge at WKU, is now 10-2 on the year when getting on the board first. They are 5-4 when opponents do so.
 
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 3-3). Making matters more impressive is that two have been 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 (2.43-first CUSA/13th NCAA).
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
UTEP has been nearly unbeatable (10-1) this year when shooting it better than the opposition, but it's been a tossup (5-5) 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 15.4 free throws per game (second CUSA/87th NCAA) on 21.3 attempts per contest (second CUSA/75th NCAA). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating ninth in CUSA and 316th in the country by committing 18.7 fouls per game. In fact, the Miners (448) have taken more free throw than their opponents (434).
 
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 10 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 68.5 points per game (fourth CUSA/91st NCAA), in part due to the Orange and Blue pacing the country in both steals per game (11.1) 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 11.1 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 51 of the past 54 contests, including tallying 14 at WKU on Jan. 30.
 
CONSISTENT AS THEY COME
Otis Frazier III has registered double figures in scoring in 18 of the 21 games this season, including riding a current 12-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 69 overall. Last year he had 20 double-digit scoring efforts in 34 appearances.
 
STEALS IN BUNCHES FOR CAMPER JR. 
Corey Camper Jr. is second in CUSA and 15th nationally at 2.42 steals per game. He has multiple steals in 15 of his 19 appearances, including a career-high five vs. UTPB on Nov. 12. The senior has not played since early in the second half vs. Jax State on Jan. 23.
 
KALU WITH MORE THAN 400 CAREER REBOUNDS
UTEP leading rebounder Kevin Kalu (5.4 rpg-tied 17th CUSA) now boasts more than 400 career rebounds. He has 430 going into the game at Middle Tennessee on Saturday. Otis Frazier III has the lead for career boards (444) for players on the squad, but Kalu has the edge in terms of rebounds as a Miner (430-383).
 
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. 
 
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 nine 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.
 
 
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 10th 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 15-6 overall, 5-3 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 lately. He is 38-49 (77.6 percent) since the slow start to elevate his season readout to 66.2 (43-65).
 
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 68.5 ppga (fourth CUSA/91st NCAA) heading into the matchup at Middle Tennessee
 
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), David Terrell Jr. (three) and  
Ahamad Bynum (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, but he hasn't played since early in the second half against Jax State. 
 
SCORING STREAKS
Otis Frazier III (69) and Devon Barnes (51) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (24) and David Terrell Jr. (23) 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 (11.1) 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, 14.4 ppg-eighth CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 11.6 ppg-tied 18th CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-10.8 ppg-24th CUSA and Devon Barnes-10.2 ppg) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one player. There are still 10 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 55.1 percent (291-528) of their field goals. David Terrell Jr.(3.3 apg-tied sixth CUSA), Otis Frazier III (2.6 apg-14th CUSA), Corey Camper Jr. (2.5 apg-15th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (2.0 apg-tied 19th 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 (14.4 ppg-eighth), assists (2.6 apg-14th), steals (2.43 spg first CUSA/13th NCAA), blocks (0.9-tied eighth) and free-throw percentage (76.3-eighth). The senior tops the Miners in scoring, blocks and steals while rating second for assists and free-throw percentage. He also leads the team in both free throws made (71) and attempted (93) and double-digit scoring efforts (18).
 
CAN'T CONTAIN COREY
Corey Camper Jr. has been one of the top players on the team this season. He is second on the squad for scoring (11.6-tied 18th CUSA) and steals (2.42-second CUSA/15th NCAA) while placing third in assists (2.5-15th CUSA). He hasn't played since early in the second half against Jax State when he exited with seven points due to an injury. He had reached double figures in four of his past seven and 12 times total before existing the game against the Gamecocks. He tops the team in free-throw percentage (79.6-not enough makes to qualify for rankings) and minutes played (31.6-tied ninth CUSA). 
 
DT SETTLED IN AT THE POINT
David Terrell Jr., the 2024 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, has settled 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, but hasn't fouled out since. He is dishing out 3.3 assists per game (tied sixth CUSA) to pace the squad, aided by an average of 4.9 apg in league contests. His scoring has elevated to 7.8 ppg (5.4 as a freshman), and he is putting up 9.4 ppg in league action. Terrell Jr., who often draws the toughest defensive assignment, also rates fourth on the squad in steals (1.4-tied 11th 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 10.2 ppg to go along with 1.7 steals per game (tied third CUSA). He is second on the team for both 3-pointers made (33) and 3-pointers attempted (91). 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 (57) and attempted (75). He has been a consistent scorer with 12 double-digit efforts. 
 
BYNUM'S A BALLER
Ahamad Bynum has been a key cog for UTEP all year, whether starting (past two, three times total) or coming off the bench. He contributes 10.8 ppg (24th CUSA, doing lots of damage from distance. He has made 49-98 (50.0 percent) of his triples, which would be among the national leaders, but he is shy (2.45) of the required 2.5 makes per game. He has sank multiple 3-pointers in 15 of his 20 appearances, with four games of four or more made. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 13 times. Bynum has compiled 10 double-digit efforts off the bench and 11 times total. The other reserves have seven 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 (6.8 ppg) that output as a senior. Kalu has six double-digit scoring efforts on the season, including a career-best 14 against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25, after doing so twice in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 63.4 percent (52-82) from the floor while still playing his patented outstanding defense, particularly on ball screens.  He tops the team in rebounding (5.4 rpg-tied 17th CUSA) and is second for blocked shots (0.6-tied 17th CUSA). 
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DIGIT STEALS UNDER GOLDING
UTEP has produced 50 games with at least 10 steals under head coach Joe Golding, including doing so 11 times this year. To put the 50 tilts with 10+ thefts into perspective, consider that it is two 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 11.1 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 (11.1) and turnovers forced per game (18.0). UTEP accounts for three of the top seven and four of the top 15. Otis Frazier III (2.43-first CUSA/13th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.42 spg-second CUSA/15th NCAA) are atop the league, followed by Devon Barnes (1.7-tied fourth CUSA) and David Terrell Jr. (1.4-tied 11th CUSA).
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 278th in the country by attempting 20.4 triples per game, but the Miners have been locked in when doing so. UTEP is third in the league and 24th in the nation with a readout of 38.0 percent (163-429) from beyond-the-arc. 
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
UTEP has made equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 15 of 21 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 163-429 (38.0 percent-third CUSA/24th NCAA) compared to an effort of 136-438 (31.1 percent) by the opposition. It's a major 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 76.3 percent (71-93), which is eighth in CUSA among qualifiers.
 
CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE
UTEP's pressure is causing fits for opponents. The Miners head into the tilt at Middle Tennessee leading the country in both steals per game (11.1 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 14.7 fastbreak points per game, which is first in CUSA and 23rd 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 (29.2 mpg), David Terrell Jr. (28.8 mpg) and Devon Barnes (25.9) are all above 25.0 mpg. Kevin Kalu (21.5 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (20.3 mpg), Trey Horton III (11.8 mpg), Baylor Hebb (10.9) and Elijah Jones (10.3 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 (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 second heading to game at Middle Tennessee), 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 225-198 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 67-54 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is on his way to another at 15-6 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 be idle for a week before concluding a stretch of three straight on the road when it plays at I-10 rival NM State at 7 p.m. MT on Feb. 8. Jon Teicher (44th year) and Steve Yellen(22nd 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).