GAME BOOK (PDF)
EL PASO, Texas — The UTEP women's basketball team suffered its first home loss of the season, falling 93–72 to UC Irvine on Thursday night at the Don Haskins Center. The Miners moved to 7–3 overall and 6–1 at home.
UTEP kept pace early and showed resilience throughout the night, but UC Irvine's efficiency on the offensive end proved to be the difference. Despite the result, the Miners stayed active defensively, forcing 17 turnovers and continuing to pressure the ball for stretches.
Portia Adams scored a season-high 18 points to lead UTEP, while
Ndack Mbengue added 17 points and a team-high six rebounds.
Ivane Tensaie finished with 11 points, and
Delma Zita dished out a team-high five assists as UTEP continued to compete from start to finish
"We knew they were a very good team going in" head coach
Keitha Adams said. "Our defense has got to better. Giving up 93 points is one of our tougher defensive nights in a while, and our fouling really hurt us."
UC Irvine struck first with an inside basket, but UTEP responded with early scores from Mbengue and Adams to settle in. The Miners battled on both ends, yet UC Irvine used a late push to take a 21–15 lead after one.
The Anteaters began to stretch the margin in the second quarter behind a series of perimeter makes and transition opportunities. UTEP continued to compete with timely buckets from Adams and Tensaie, including a late three, but UC Irvine carried a 43–28 advantage into halftime.
UTEP opened the third quarter with energy, trimming the deficit with a fast-break finish from
Sirviva Legions and steady trips to the line. However, UC Irvine answered quickly with back-to-back scoring runs to maintain separation and take a 75–50 lead into the fourth.
The Miners showed their best offensive rhythm of the night in the final period, putting together a 10–0 run behind baskets from
Aaliyah Davis, Mbengue and Legions to cut into the deficit. UTEP continued to generate transition looks and second-chance opportunities, but UC Irvine responded from the foul line down the stretch to seal the 93–72 result.
UTEP finished the game shooting 39.7 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from three and 74.1 percent at the line, adding 28 rebounds, 15 assists and forcing 17 turnovers.
UC Irvine was led by Hunter Hernandez, who scored a game-high 36 points with six rebounds. Jada Wynn added 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to help pace the Anteaters.
UP NEXT
UTEP will continue its homestand by hosting NAIA opponent University of the Southwest (Dec. 29) before opening Conference USA play at home against Delaware (Jan. 2).
TICKETS
For tickets, fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit
https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/buy?filterType=97 for more information.
JOIN THE 915 Campaign
UTEP Athletics has launched the "915 Campaign." Fans can support the UTEP Women's Basketball Excellence Fund, which directly impacts the success of UTEP student-athletes. To join the "915 Campaign" and become a difference maker for UTEP Athletics, please click here.
Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club.
Visit https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/quick-donate/NTExNA%3D%3D today!
For complete coverage of UTEP women's basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPWBB (Twitter), @utepwbb (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.
