Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (17-8, 7-5 CUSA) will open a two-game roadswing when it makes its first trip to Kennesaw State (15-11, 7-6 CUSA) for a 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET matchup on Thursday. The Miners will be looking to bounce from a hard-fought 76-69 setback at the hands of second-place Liberty on Feb. 15, a game in which UTEP led for 28:30 before a big 16-3 run later in the second half swung the pendulum of momentum back to the Flames. UTEP cut it to a one-possession game, but it couldn't claw back in front. The Owls have dropped two of three, including having a frenetic rally fall just shy when a 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark in an 78-76 setback at Sam Houston on Feb. 15. The contest initiates a stretch with four of six on the road to close the regular season, including locking up at league leader Jax State at 3 p.m. MT/4 p.m. CT Saturday. The Orange and Blue are aiming to sweep the season series with KSU after knocking off the Owls in El Paso, 73-71, on Jan. 25. They will have their hands full trying to accomplish that feat, with KSU boasting a mark of 11-2 at home (5-2 CUSA). The Miners are 4-4 on the road (3-2 CUSA). The four road wins double the amount from last season (2-9) while also surpassing the total from the 2022-23 campaign (3-10). The matchup at Kennesaw State will mark UTEP's first all-time in the "Peach State" and fourth this year in the Eastern Time Zone (2-1 thus far). It is also a preview of a potential matchup for the 2025 Conference USA Championships. Heading into the game, the Miners are fourth in the league at 7-5 while the Owls sit a half-contest back at 7-6. Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso, with audio available on the UTEP Miners App as well. It will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required),
 
STEALING THE SHOW
UTEP, San Diego and Ole Miss are the only schools in the country to boast two players producing at least 2.0 steals per game. Corey Camper Jr. (2.35, first CUSA/13th NCAA) and Otis Frazier III (2.28, second CUSA/18th NCAA) are leading the way for the Miners in that department. UTEP has never had two players average at least 2.0 spg in the same season.
 
SERIES HISTORY: UTEP LEADS, 1-0
Thursday's matchup is the second all-time between the programs. The Miners bested first-year Conference USA member Kennesaw State, 73-71, on Jan. 25 at the Don Haskins Center earlier this season. UTEP rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit to secure what remains its only triumph this year when trailing at the half (1-5 in situation). Simeon Cottle had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but the shot was off the mark and Otis Frazier III secured the rebound.
 
GET TO KNOW KENNESAW STATE (15-11, 7-6 CUSA, 11-2 HOME, 3-7 AWAY, 1-2 NEUTRAL)
Kennesaw State has made its impact felt in its first year as a member of Conference USA. The Owls were picked last in the CUSA preseason poll, but they enter Thursday's matchup with an overall record of 15-11, including 7-6 in CUSA play. That puts them alone in fifth place, a half game back of the Miners. After a 1-2 start to league action, KSU got hot by winning the next three contests. The Owls were on their way to a fourth straight victory in the matchup at UTEP, leading by nine early in the second half, before the Orange and Blue rallied to post a 73-71 triumph on Jan. 25. After another setback to Liberty, 76-68, the Owls regrouped to win three of the next four. They fell last time out, however, with a furious second-half rally coming up just short in a 78-76 setback at Sam Houston on Feb. 15. KSU features an incredible one-two punch. Nine-time CUSA Freshman of the Week and presumptive CUSA Freshman of the Year Adrian Wooley pours in 18.5 ppg (third CUSA/57th NCAA) while three-time CUSA Player of the Week (most of any player in the league) Simeon Cottle is just behind at 18.2 ppg (fourth CUSA/64th NCAA). Both Cottle (2.96-second CUSA/36th NCAA) and Wooley (2.08-10th CUSA) knock down at least two 3-pointers per contest. Each are effective passers, with Wooley tallying 3.5 apg (eighth CUSA) followed by Cottle at 3.0 (11th CUSA). Andre Weir is a defensive force with 1.23 blocks per game (fifth CUSA). Braedan Lue (10.0 ppg) is the only other play on the roster to be in double figures for scoring.  The Owls are known for their toughness, especially on the boards. They pace CUSA and are among the NCAA top-100 nationally for rebounding margin (7.5-15th), defensive rebounds per game (28.3-11th), offensive rebounds per game (13.6-20th) and total rebounds per game (41.9-fourth).  Rongie Gordon is the top rebounder on the squad at 6.2 rpg (11th CUSA), but four other players average better than 5.0 rpg. KSU is also the No. 1 squad in the conference for free throws made (15.7-67th NCAA) and attempted per game (22.2-43rd), in addition to 3-point attempts per game (28.4-23rd NCAA). It also among the conference leaders and top-100 nationally for blocked shots (4.2-fourth/72nd), field-goal percentage defense (41.1-fourth/48th), scoring offense (77.5-second/91st) and 3-point makes per game (8.6-third/92nd). The Owls do have a few areas they've struggled in. They commit 13.9 turnovers per game (ninth CUSA/324th NCAA), shoot an overall percentage of 42.7 (ninth CUSA/283rd NCAA), are called for 18.2 fouls per contest (eighth CUSA/289th NCAA), yield 73.1 ppga (eighth CUSA/229th NCAA) and shoot just 30.3 percent (ninth CUSA/333rd NCAA) from beyond-the-arc. The university was founded in 1963, with the basketball program launching for the 1985-86 campaign. They won the NCAA DII national championship in 2004 and started competing at the DI one in 2005-06. Notable alumni include Mac Powell (singer who helped form the band Third Day) and Shannon Pursue (actress who made her debut on Netflix's Stranger Things).
 
LOOKING BACK (LIBERTY 76, AT UTEP 69, FEB. 15)
Otis Frazier III tallied 16 points to pace a trio of Miners in double figures, but visiting Liberty used a barrage of a 3-pointers to outlast UTEP, 76-69, at home on Feb. 15. The Miners led 53-46 with 9:35 to play before the Flames unleashed a game-changing 16-3 run, including 10 straight to cap it, while pulling ahead by six (62-56, 4:54, 2H). UTEP kept battling and made it a one-possession game with 52 seconds left, but the visitors held on. Liberty nailed 47.4 percent (27-57) from the floor, including bombing home 14-29 (48.3 percent) from 3-point range. Four of those triples came during the decisive run. UTEP nailed 42.6 percent (26-61) and connected on nine treys on 26 attempts (34.6). The Miners also finished 8-9 at the free throw line.
 
PRACTICALLY PERFECT AT THE LINE
UTEP finished with its second-best readout this year at the free-throw line against Liberty, making 88.9 percent (8-9). Unfortunately for the Orange and Blue, the nine attempts tied as their second-fewest tries this season, as the Flames were hit with an opponent single-game low nine fouls. The only time UTEP had less trips to the line this year was when the Miners were 5-6 from the charity stripe at Middle Tennessee (Feb. 1).
 
TOOK CARE OF THE ROCK
UTEP finished with only six turnovers vs. Liberty, its second-lowest total this year. The Miners committed three vs. LA Tech on Jan. 2.
 
NOT ENOUGH OFFENSIVE BOARDS
UTEP snagged a season-low tying five offensive rebounds vs. Liberty on Feb. 15. The Miners had posted eight or more offensive boards in their prior five contests.
 
MAKING SOME PROGRESS BOXING OUT
After a stretch where five of six foes pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds, the past two opponents have been held to single digits in the category.
 
THAT'S THE TREY WE KNOW
Sharpshooter Trey Horton III looked the part against Liberty last time out. He buried 3-4 from beyond-the-arc for nine points to go along with three rebounds in 14 minutes of action. Horton III had been scoreless while attempting only two shots (both two pointers) and failing to snag a board in his prior five appearances.
 
THE DIME DROPPER
David Terrell Jr continued to pick defenses apart with his passing, racking up seven assists while turning it over just once against Liberty on Feb. 15. He has put together six consecutive contests with at least six helpers. (40 assists, 14 turnovers in the sequence). It has been 20 years since a Miner enjoyed such a stretch. Fili Rivera posted eight straight games with six or more assists during the '04-05 campaign. The surge has elevated Terrell Jr.'s seasonal average to 3.8 apg (sixth CUSA). He rates second in CUSA for league-only contests in both assists per game (5.5) and assist-to-turnover ratio (+2.6).
 
TERRELL JR.'S SCORING TAKING OFF TOO
 David Terrell Jr. has registered double figures in scoring in four of the past five contests, knocking down 23-40 (57.5 percent) in the stretch. Overall, he boasts nine double-digit scoring efforts this year, with six of those coming in league play. That nearly doubles the amount of such contests (five) during his 2024 CUSA Freshman of the Year campaign.
 
TWO TURNOVERS THE LAST 73 MINUTES
David Terrell Jr. has played 73 minutes out of a possible 80 the past two games. He's run the point extremely well, amassing 14 assists (seven vs. both FIU and Liberty). More impressive, though, is the fact he's committed only two turnovers in the sequence. That works out to an unheard of 7-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in the stretch.
 
FOURTH TIME'S THE CHARM?
For the fourth time this year, David Terrell Jr. enters a contest having tallied 10+ points in back-to-back outings. He is 10-17 from the floor in those contests. If he's able to score 10 or more at Kennesaw State on Thursday, it would serve as his longest double-digit streak (three) of both the season and career.
 
ON A STREAK WITH STEALS TOO
David Terrell Jr. has also registered multiple steals in consecutive contests for third time this season. The 2024 CUSA Freshman of the Year will be aiming for three such straight efforts for the second time of his career (Jan. 7-Jan. 18, 2024)
 
SHARPEST SHOOTING SINCE RETURN
After missing two and a half contests due to an injury sustained early in the second half vs. Jax State on Jan. 23, Corey Camper Jr. proceeded to shoot a combined 7-23 (30.4 percent0 in his first three games contests back. He was much sharper last time out, knocking down 5-9 (55.6 percent) vs. Liberty on Feb. 15.
 
DON'T TAKE THIS CONSISTENCY FOR GRANTED
Otis Frazier III has been the epitome of consistency for UTEP as its leading scorer during his senior season. He has registered 16 straight double-digit scoring efforts and put up 10+ points in 22 of 25` games played this year. Only once (four points vs. UNC Greensboro on Nov. 27) has he failed to tally at least seven points in a contest. It is the longest in-season double-digit scoring streak by a Miner since Omega Harris (16 straight) in 2016-17.
 
PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH STEALS TOO
Otis Frazier III has recorded at least one steal in 24 of 25 contests this season, including 15 with two or more thefts.
 
FACED ADVERSITY AT THE LINE HEAD ON
After enduring a three-game stretch where he was a combined 3-11 (27.2 percent) at the free-throw line, Otis Frazier III dug deep and responded. He is 11-12 his past two tilts while making 13 of his last 14 tries overall. That included nailing two clutch tosses late in the contest at NM State to help seal the Miners' first win in Las Cruces in 14 years with a 66-63 vanquishing of the Aggies on Feb. 8.
 
HARDLY HAPPENS
For just the fourth time this season, Devon Barnes was not credited with a steal vs. Liberty. He is, however, still accounting for 1.6 steals per game (tied third CUSA), aided by 12 games with at least two or more thefts this season.
 
BETTER REBOUNDING EFFORT FROM KALU
After UTEP's leading rebounder Kevin Kalu (5.5 rgp-15th CUSA) equaled his second-lowest total for boards of the year with two vs. FIU, he was a bit more active last time out against Liberty. Kalu pulled down five boards, including four defensive.
 
HEBB SHOOTING IT WELL
Baylor Hebb has made 4-9 from distance in the past five contests, including knocking down a 3-pointer to ignite a game-sealing 10-0 run vs. FIU on Feb. 13. He had been 2-6 on triples over his first 14 appearances. He added a season-high tying two assists against the Panthers.
FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING
The Miners' loss to Liberty marked the first time this season they sustained a setback in a contest they enjoyed a double-digit cushion. UTEP had been 15-0 in the situation before Liberty erased an 11-point deficit (29-18, 6:12, 1H) to best the Miners, 76-69.
 
DOESN'T OCCUR OFTEN
UTEP slipped to 14-3 on the campaign when leading at the half. The Miners had a 35-32 edge at the break before Liberty outscored them, 44-34, over the final 20 minutes of action.
 
HARD TO WIN WITH THAT MANY 3-POINTERS ALLOWED
Liberty nailed an opponent season-high 14 treys to derail the Miners, 76-69, last time out on Feb. 15. In fact, the Flames both attempted and connected on more 3-pointers (14-29) than they did two-point tosses (13-28). It marked the most 3-pointers by a UTEP foe since Middle Tennessee knocked down 14 last year (14-24, Feb. 17, 2024). That game, however, required double overtime.
 
BARNES FINDING HIS RANGE AGAIN
Devon Barnes is 4-10 from 3-point range the past two tilts, which included an effort of 3-7 from distance in the victory against FIU on Feb. 13. He had been mirrored in a 7-33 skid on triples the prior eight contests.
 
HAMILTON MAKING HIS MARK FROM THE BENCH
Derick Hamilton continued his recent surge of quality play by connecting on 3-5 shots for six points in only nine minutes of action against Liberty on Feb. 15. He is now 14-21 (66.7 percent) for 7.7 ppg in the past four tilts. He is doing so in 11.3 mpg in the stretch.
 
TIES GALORE LATELY
Four of UTEP's past seven games have featured at least 10 ties, including a season-high 12 deadlocks against FIU on Feb. 13. Prior to the recent uptick, only the narrow 77-74 setback at Louisville on Dec. 11 had 10 or more ties in the contest.
 
BACK-AND-FORTH GAMES
Five different UTEP games this season have had nine or more lead changes, with four of those happening in league play. There were 11 lead swaps in the victory vs. FIU. The only nonconference game to go back-and-forth like that was at Louisville (L, 77-74, Dec. 11). There was a season-most 13 lead changes in that tilt.
 
WE CAN WIN CLOSE CONTESTS
UTEP improved to 5-2 on the season in one-possession contests with the 66-63 vanquishing of NM State on Feb. 8. They also marched to 8-4 in two-possession tilts (decided by six points or less)
 
STREAKING AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
A couple different Miners are riding streaks at the free-throw line. Baylor Hebb has drained 15 straight (last miss vs. UTPB, Nov. 12), Ahamad Bynum has hit in 12 in a row (last miss vs. Jackson State, Dec. 20).
 
BARNES'S OFFENSE GOING AGAIN
After being held to three points against Jax State, Devon Barnes has reached double figures in points in four of the past six contests. He now boasts 14 double-digit scoring efforts this season, which trails only Otis Frazier III's team-leading 22 such outings.
 
SHARP SHOOTING CONTINUES FOR JONES
Elijah Jones has nailed 17-26 () from the floor over the past nine games. In the prior seven contests, he connected on just 2-11 (18.2 percent).
 
QUIETLY PUTTING UP POINTS
Kevin Kalu is averaging 9.7 ppg while shooting 67.6 percent (25-37) over the past six games.  He started the surge with a career-high 14 points in the win vs. Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. Kalu matched that effort vs. FIU on Feb. 13, doing so on 6-7 shooting, which was aided by four dunks (three alley-oops).
 
AN INCREDIBLE OFFENSIVE JUMP
Kevin Kalu was averaging 3.2 ppg while shooting 57.0 percent from the floor for his career heading into his senior season. He has certainly saved the best for last, contributing 7.3 ppg on 63.9 percent shooting. One factor has been his effort at the line, which has jumped to 64.2 percent (34-53). That's a huge improvement from making 46.6 percent (27-58) last year. Overall, he has produced eight double-digit scoring games to quadruple his total such contests (two) over 91 appearances in his first three years with the Miners.
 
GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN BIG KEV GETS HIS OFFENSE GOING
Kevin Kalu has 12 games this year with at least eight points, and the Miners are 10-2 in those contests. 
 
KALU CLEANING UP THE BOARDS
Kevin Kalu, who tops UTEP in rebounding at 5.5 boards per game (15th CUSA), has pulled down at least eight rebounds in six different games this season. He has a pair of double-digit efforts, including snagging a team-best 10 at NM State on Feb. 11. The only other Miners on the campaign to have recorded at least eight rebounds in a contest are Otis Frazier III (career-high 12 vs. FIU, Feb. 13, nine at NM State, Feb. 8 and 11 vs. LA Tech, Jan. 2) and David Terrell Jr. (career-high 11 at Middle Tennessee, Feb. 1, nine at Liberty, Jan. 16).
 
PRETTY GOOD WITH BALANCED SCORING
UTEP is 11-2 on the season when four or more players reach double figures in scoring. The Miners most recently accomplished that feat vs. FIU on Feb. 13, with Kevin Kalu (14 points), Devon Barnes (13 points), Otis Frazier III and David Terrell Jr. (12 points) each doing so. The lone losses in the situation this year came at Middle Tennessee (L, 71-68, Feb. 1) and at WKU (L, 78-74, on Jan. 30).
 
VALUING THE BASKETBALL
UTEP enters the matchup at Kennesaw State with the eighth-best turnover margin in the country (4.8). The closest to the Miners in terms CUSA foes is at 2.7. The Orange and Blue rate second in the nation turnovers forced per game (17.0), which helps the cause greatly. UTEP has also registered 12 or fewer giveaways in four straight and six of the past seven contests. That includes three in single digits. UTEP had its second-lowest total this year when it made six vs. Liberty last time out.
 
TALKING BENCH PRODUCTION
UTEP's bench has produced 20+ points in six of the past nine contests, including receiving 26 from the reserves last time out. The Miners did not hit that figure in any of the first three league matchups. UTEP now received 20 or more points from reserves in 15 of 24 tilts. Overall, the Miners are getting 23.1 ppg from the backups to rate fourth in CUSA.
 
LOTS OF STEALS
Otis Frazier III has registered at least two steals in 12 of the past 15 games. Included in that was tying the school standard with eight steals vs Kennesaw State on Jan. 25. He has one each in the past two tilts, which halted a seven-game surge with multiple thefts. The longest streak by a Miner this year for the department is Corey Camper Jr. at nine.
 
WHAT A DUO FOR DEFENSE
Corey Camper Jr. (2.35 spg-first CUSA/13th NCAA) and Otis Frazier III (2.28-second/18th) provide a lethal one-two punch for steals for the Miners. There are still six games to play in the regular season plus at least one contest in the CUSA tournament, 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 only 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.
 
DON'T BLINK, YOU MIGHT MISS A SCORE
UTEP is quick to get into its offense, especially off turnovers. The Miners lead CUSA and are 21st nationally at 14.6 fastbreak points per game.
 
FRAZIER III FLYING UP THE UTEP CAREER STEALS CHARTS
Otis Frazier III has registered a team-leading 57 steals on the season, with 42 of those coming in the past 15 games. The surge has elevated his career total as a Miner to 159, which has propelled him to take sole possession of fifth place on the career school charts. 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).
 
1,000 CAREER POINTS AND COUNTING FOR OTIS
Otis Frazier III, who has been streaking with 16 double-digit scoring games, surpassed 1,000 for his collegiate career with his first basket against FIU on Feb. 13. He enters the matchup at Kennesaw State at 1,027 (including time with George Mason), with the majority of those (940) coming as a Miner.
 
A LOOK AT THE LEAGUE STANDINGS
Jax State (10-3) holds a one-game lead over Liberty (9-4) for first place in the league, with Middle Tennessee 1.5 in back at 8-4. UTEP (7-5) is alone in fourth place, making the matchup at Kennesaw State (7-6) more vital. NM State (6-7), LA Tech (6-7) and WKU (5-7) follow. Sam Houston (3-10) and FIU (2-11) round out the standings, but the Bearkats were 2-0 last week. That included knocking off both Jax State and Kennesaw State.
 
TERRELL JR. MAKING LEAPS AND BOUNDS
Since the start of Conference USA play, David Terrell Jr. has dished out 65 assists (5.4 apg-second CUSA only) compared to just 25 turnovers (2.1 tpg) for an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.6 (second CUSA only). He's dropped at least five dimes in nine of 12 league tilts, and he is the first Miner to have strung together six straight contests with six or more assists in 20 years (Fili Rivera eight straight in 2004-05). In his 12 nonconference appearances (missed one game) Terrell Jr. registered 27 assists while also turning it over 27 times. His scoring is also starting to take off. He is putting up 9.8 ppg in CUSA play, a solid leap from his 6.8 ppg in nonconference action this year. Overall, he's tallying 8.3 ppg on the season, up from the effort of 5.4 ppg as a freshman.
 
FRAZIER III'S OFFENSIVE TEAR
Otis Frazier III has been piling up the points lately, stringing together 16 straight games of double-digit scoring efforts to more than triple his prior long such stretch (five to begin the season). The senior, who is averaging 15.3 points per game during the surge, has elevated his seasonal average from 12.9 ppg to 14.4 ppg (ninth CUSA) as result. He has knocked down multiple 3-pointers nine times during the 16-contest sequence (56.3 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 Thursday's matchup at Kennesaw State knocking down 47.0 percent (55-117) from 3-point range. That would put him among the upper echelon in the nation, but he is shy (2.39 per game-tied sixth CUSA) of the NCAA's required standard of 2.50 triples per tilt. There are still six games remaining in the regular season, but Bynum is on track to just edge out 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. It should be noted that Bynum has made nearly twice as many treys.
 
A TRIO TO WATCH
Ahamad Bynum (2.4 per game-tied sixth CUSA), Devon Barnes (1.5 per game-tied 17th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (1.4 per game-tied 20th 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 37.4 percent (192-514) on triples (third CUSA/38th NCAA). The Miners have also guarded the 3-point ball decently, with foes at 31.8 percent (171-538), which is top-100 nationally at 91st.
 
MAKING TRIPLES LEADS TO WINS
UTEP has connected on at least seven 3-pointers in 16 games this year, holding an 11-5 mark in those contests.
 
THE NEED FOR THAT LEAD WITH FIVE MINUTES LEFT
UTEP is 17-0 on the year when leading with five minutes to play, but the Miners are winless when either trailing (0-7) or tied (0-1) at that juncture.
 
CONVERTING TURNOVERS INTO POINTS
UTEP is accounting for 19.5 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 12.7 ppg in the category. UTEP is 15-4 when winning the category this year and 2-4 when failing to do so. Two of those losses came when Corey Camper Jr. was sidelined with an injury.
 
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT IN HOSTILE TERRITORY
The Miners are 4-4 on the road (3-2 CUSA), aided by winning at NM State for the first time in 14 years in their most-recent road game on Feb. 8. 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.
 
THAT'S CONSISTENT SUCCESS
With the victory against Kennesaw State on Jan. 25, the Miners secured at least five wins in each of the first three months of the season. That hadn't happened since the 2010-11 campaign.
 
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 Bynum drilled 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 NORMALLY WIN
UTEP is 11-4 on the season when getting on the board first
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
UTEP has been nearly unbeatable (12-1) this year when shooting it better than the opposition, but it's been a challenge (5-7) when foes outshoot the Miners.
 
DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN, BUT WE WIN WHEN IT DOES
UTEP has only won the rebounding battle six times this year, and not surprisingly with how many other things they do well, the Miners are undefeated (6-0) in those contests. Things have changed a bit of late, with back-to-back winning efforts on the boards.
 
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 third in CUSA in both free throws made per game (14.6) and free throws attempted per contest (20.2). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating ninth in CUSA and 306th in the country by committing 18.4 fouls per game.
 
BUILDING BIG LEADS AND HOLDING ON
UTEP has been up by double digits in 16 different games this year, winning all but one of those contests (lost vs. Liberty). 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 six tilts while facing a deficit of no more than three points in five other games.
 
SCORING LOTS OF POINTS
The Miners are averaging 72.9 points per game. There are still six 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 68.5 ppg (third CUSA/74th NCAA). UTEP is also on track to put up at least 70.0 ppg in back-to-back seasons for the first time since a five-year run from 2006-07 through 2010-11.
 
GETTING AFTER IT ON DEFENSE TOO
Foes have been held to 68.4 points per game (third CUSA/74th NCAA), in part due to the Orange and Blue pacing the country in steals per game (10.8) while rating second in turnovers forced per contest (17.0).
 
CONSTANTLY COMING AFTER YOU
UTEP is averaging a nation-leading 10.8 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 55 of the past 58 contests.
 
CONSISTENT AS THEY COME
Otis Frazier III has registered double figures in scoring in 22 of the 25 games this season (88.0 percent), including riding a current 16-contest streak. That more than triples his prior best surge (first five tilts this season). He has scored in every game this year and the past 73 overall. Last year he had 20 double-digit scoring efforts in 34 appearances (58.8 percent).
 
STEALS IN BUNCHES FOR CAMPER JR.
Corey Camper Jr. is first in CUSA and 13th nationally at 2.33 steals per game. He has multiple steals in 18 of his 23 appearances (missed two full contests with an injury), including a career-high five vs. UTPB on Nov. 12.
 
KALU MOVES PAST 450 CAREER REBOUNDS
UTEP leading rebounder Kevin Kalu (5.5 rpg-15th CUSA) grabbed five rebounds to move past 450 (454) in his UTEP career. Otis Frazier III has the lead for total DI collegiate rebounds (469, including time at George Mason), but Kalu has the edge in terms of rebounds as a Miner (454-408).
 
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 10 different contests, with his 1.5 triples per tilt rating tied for 17th in CUSA. He has hit a career-high tying four treys twice.
 
FRAZIER III GETTING AFTER IT ON THE GLASS
Otis Frazier III, who is second on the team in overall rebounding (5.2 rpg-tied 20th CUSA), is on track to lead the Miners in offensive boards for the second straight season. He is pulling down 2.0 orpg (tied ninth CUSA), which is an increase 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 3.2 (23rd CUSA).
 
PILED UP 10 WINS OUT OF CONFERENCE
UTEP (now 17-8 overall, 7-5 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 (12 points, career-high 12 rebounds vs. FIU, Feb. 13 and 19 points, 11 rebounds vs. LA Tech, Jan. 2, 2025), Kevin Kalu (12 points, 12 rebounds vs. Jackson State, Dec. 20, 2024) and David Terrell Jr. (15 points, career-high 11 rebounds at Middle Tennessee, Feb. 1) all have double-doubles on the campaign. Frazier III now boasts three career double-doubles, having also previously done so last year (11 points, 10 rebounds, vs. Western New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2023). No other Miners (DI only) has a double-double (including prior schools).
 
TERRELL JR. HAS MADE SLOW START AT LINE A THING OF THE PAST
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 42-55 (76.4 percent) since the slow start to elevate his season readout to 66.2 (47-71).
 
SHUTTING THEM DOWN
UTEP is 10-0 on the year when allowing 65 points or less in a game, including doing so in two of the past three tilts. The Miners' scoring defense is at 68.3 ppga (third CUSA/74th NCAA) going into the game at Kennesaw State.
 
STRIKE FIRST, STRIKE HARD, NO MERCY
The Miners scored the first five points and NM State never tied it or took the lead for UTEP's fifth wire-to-wire win this season on Feb. 8. It previously did so vs. Tarleton State (W, 67-62, Dec. 16), UNC Greensboro (W, 64-58, Nov. 27), UTPB (W, 78-58, Nov. 12) and Sul Ross State (W, 102-55, Nov. 4). 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 six different individuals having led the team in scoring. Otis Frazier III (10) has set the tone. That is followed by Corey Camper Jr. and David Terrell Jr. and Devon Barnes at four, Ahamad Bynum (two) and Kevin Kalu (one).
 
SCORING STREAKS
Otis Frazier III (73) and Devon Barnes (55) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (28) and David Terrell Jr. (27) 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).
 
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER ON OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 14.4 ppg-ninth CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 10.9 ppg-22nd CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-10.2 ppg and Devon Barnes-10.0 ppg) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one player. The Miners haven't had four players average double figures in scoring in a season since 2018-19, but that is a possibility this year.
 
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 55.5 percent (351-633) of their field goals. David Terrell Jr. (3.8 apg-sixth CUSA) leads the way, aided by a 5.4 apg in CUSA contests (second league-only games). Otis Frazier III (2.7-apg-14th CUSA), Corey Camper Jr. and Devon Barnes (2.2 apg-tied 16th CUSA) have also 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-ninth), assists (2.7 apg-tied 14th), steals (2.28 spg-second CUSA/18th NCAA), blocks (0.8-14th) and free-throw percentage (75.0-11th). The senior tops the Miners in scoring and blocks while rating second for assists and steals. He also leads the team in free throws made (84) and attempted (112) and double-digit scoring efforts (22).
 
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 (10.9-tied 22nd CUSA) while topping it in steals (2.33-first CUSA/13th NCAA). Camper Jr. is also tied for third in the team in assists (2.2 apg-tied 16th CUSA). He has reached double figures in scoring 13 times (missed two contests with an injury). Camper Jr. also tops the team in minutes played (31.4-10th 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 3.8 assists per game (sixth CUSA) to pace the squad, aided by an average of 5.4 apg in league contests (second CUSA only). His scoring has elevated to 8.3 ppg (5.4 as a freshman), aided by double-digit efforts in four of the past five efforts. He is putting up 9.8 ppg in CUSA play to rate second on the squad. Terrell Jr., who often draws the toughest defensive assignment, comes up with 1.5 spg (tied eighth 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 10.0 ppg (third on team) to go along with 1.6 steals per game (tied third CUSA). He is second on the team for 3-pointers made (38) and third in 3-pointers attempted (108). That results in 1.5 treys made per contest (tied 17th CUSA). Barnes is also good at getting to the line, rating second on UTEP in free throws made (66) and attempted (92). He has been a consistent scorer with 14 double-digit efforts.
 
BYNUM'S A BALLER
Ahamad Bynum has been a key cog for UTEP all year, whether starting (four times) or coming off the bench (19 times). He contributes 10.2 ppg, doing lots of damage from distance. He has made 55-117 (47.0 percent) of his triples, which would be among the national leaders, but he is shy (2.39) of the required 2.5 makes per game. He has sank multiple 3-pointers in 18 of his 23 appearances. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 14 times. Bynum has compiled 10 double-digit efforts off the bench and 11 times total.
 
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 (7.2 ppg) that output as a senior. Kalu has eight double-digit scoring efforts on the season, including twice pouring in a career-high 14 (vs. Kennesaw State & vs. FIU on Feb. 13) after doing so twice in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 63.9 percent (69-108) from the floor while still playing his patented outstanding defense, particularly on ball screens.  He tops the team in rebounding (5.5 rpg-15th CUSA) and is second for blocked shots (0.6-tied 17th CUSA).
 
TALKING DOUBLE-DIGIT STEALS UNDER GOLDING
UTEP has produced 52 games with at least 10 steals under head coach Joe Golding, including doing so 12 times this year. To put the 52 tilts with 10+ thefts into perspective, consider that it is three more than the Miners amassed (48) in the previous 14 seasons combined prior to Golding's arrival.
 
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 steals per game (10.8) while rating second in turnovers forced per game (17.0). UTEP sports the top-three players in Conference USA for steals, with Corey Camper Jr. (2.35, first/13th), Otis Frazier III (2.28, second CUSA/18th NCAA) and Devon Barnes (1.6-tied third CUSA) leading the way. David Terrell Jr. (1.5-tied eighth CUSA) is also among the CUSA leaders.
 
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 steals per game (10.8) while rating second in turnovers forced per contest (17.0). UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season.
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 270th in the country by attempting 20.6 triples per game, but the Miners have been locked in when doing so. UTEP is third in the league and 38th in the nation with a readout of 37.4 percent (192-514) from beyond-the-arc.
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
UTEP has made equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 16 of 25 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 192-514 (37.4 percent-third CUSA/38th NCAA) compared to an effort of 171-538 (31.8 percent-91st NCAA) 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).
 
CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE
UTEP's pressure is causing fits for opponents. The Miners head into the tilt at Kennesaw State leading the country in steals per game (10.8 spg) while rating second in turnovers forced per game (17.0). 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.
 
SPREADING THE PLAYING TIME
Head coach Joe Golding has done a fine job of spreading the wealth with playing time, with eight different Miners (min. 15 games played) averaging at least 10.0 minutes per game. Corey Camper Jr. (31.4 mpg, 10th CUSA), Otis Frazier III (30.0 mpg-tied 14th CUSA), David Terrell Jr. (30.0 mpg-tied 14th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (25.5) are all above 25.0 mpg. Kevin Kalu (21.7 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (19.9 mpg), Baylor Hebb (11.1) and Trey Horton III (10.9 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). UTEP is leading the league in both overall attendance (73,778) and average attendance (5,270).
 
HOME COOKING
UTEP has posted 10+ wins in six straight years, including standing at 11-3 in El Paso this season. There are two 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 fourth heading to game vs. at Kennesaw State), 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 Haskins retired following the 1998-99 season. Golding is 227-200in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 69-56 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is looking good to secure another 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 nine 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 wrap up the week on the road by battling league-leading Jax State at 3 p.m. MT/4 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 available on the UTEP Miners App as well. It will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required)