Game Book (PDF)

EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women's basketball team improved to 4-0 and remain perfect at home after a dramatic 64–60 overtime win over UT Martin on Saturday at the Don Haskins Center. Ivane Tensaie took over in crunch time, drilling the game-tying three to send the contest into overtime and later knocking down the go-ahead shot to lift the Miners to their fourth straight victory.
 
UTEP showcased grit and late-game poise, highlighted by a dominant performance from Mary Moses Amaniyo, who delivered a career-high 18 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Miners on both ends of the floor. Ivane Tensaie added 15 points and five rebounds, drilling two of the game's biggest shots in the final seconds of regulation and overtime. Portia Adams contributed 13 points and four assists, while Ndack Mbengue added five points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high four blocks. Sirviva Legions chipped in seven points and eight rebounds, and Delma Zita posted a team-high five assists while sinking the game-sealing free throws to close out the win.
 
"It was a phenomenal game, a real barn burner." Head Coach Keitha Adams said. "I am so proud of how resilient we were, we didn't give up and made some big hustle plays down the stretch. El Paso, it was exciting, great crowd and a great overtime win. I'm happy for our team. That was a big win for us against a very talented UT Martin team."
 
"I feel like I was in my spot," Tensaie said. "After missing the one on the play we drew up, Coach came back to me with another chance, and I was glad to be in that position to be able to knock down both shots for our team"
 
UT Martin opened the contest with a 7-0 run before the Miners settled in and closed the opening quarter on a 12-4 surge, taking a 12-11 lead after holding the Skyhawks to just two points over the final 3:33 of the first frame. The second quarter remained tightly contested, with both teams shooting under 30 percent in the first half. UTEP dominated the boards 24-15, but UT Martin capitalized on turnovers to take a 24-22 edge into halftime. Amaniyo led the Orange and Blue at the break with eight points and five rebounds, while Mbengue anchored the interior with eight rebounds in the first half.
 
The teams continued to trade punches throughout the third quarter, with neither side able to create separation as the period ended tied at 38-38. UT Martin made the first significant push of the second half, using a late surge to build a 50-45 lead with 2:30 remaining in regulation. But, UTEP responded with key defensive stops and timely scoring, capped by Tensaie's clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds to pull the Miners even at 52-52, sending the game into overtime.
 
The Miners carried that momentum into the extra period, stringing together stops and capitalizing on late UT Martin miscues. Tensaie delivered the decisive blow with another clutch three-pointer to put UTEP ahead 62-60 with three seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, the Skyhawks turned the ball over, allowing Zita to seal the win at the free-throw line and close out the 64-60 overtime victory.
 
The Orange and Blue controlled the interior all afternoon, out-rebounding UT Martin 54-36 and pulling down 22 offensive boards. The Miners shot 32.9 percent from the field and 72.2 percent at the line, forcing 13 turnovers and converting them into 19 points. UTEP also received 20 points from its bench in the win.
 
UT Martin was led by Kenley McCarn and Zy Thompson, who each scored 15 points. Thompson added six rebounds, while Brittani Wells posted a team-high six assists and seven boards. Sidni Middleton chipped in 10 points and five rebounds for the Skyhawks, who shot 38.7 percent from the field, 22.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent at the line.
 
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