Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (17-10, 7-7 CUSA) will take aim at regaining its winning ways when it plays host to WKU (15-12, 6-8 CUSA) in a nationally-televised game (CBS Sports Network) at 7 p.m. MT Thursday. The Miners have dropped three consecutive contests for the first time this season, including falling by a count of 73-65 last time out at Jax State on Feb. 22. The Hilltoppers snapped a four-game skid with an exhilarating 64-63 victory at home against LA Tech in their most-recent action. Braxton Bayless received the inbounds pass with 5.4 seconds remaining and went the length of the court to beat the buzzer for a layup. WKU had lost four in a row, including back-to-back affairs at home, prior to downing the Bulldogs. The matchup against the Hilltoppers starts the final homestand of the regular season for the Orange and Blue, who will also challenge Middle Tennessee on "Senior Day" at 2 p.m. MT Saturday. The Miners are 11-3 at home while WKU is 3-8 on the road. UTEP has only four tilts remaining prior to the 2025 CUSA Championships (March 11), which adds a level of importance and emphasis to each contest. The Miners enter this week alone in sixth place at 7-7 in league play, but there's not much margin for error. LA Tech (7-8) is a half-game behind the Miners while WKU (6-8) is on their heels as well. The top six teams in the league will not compete until the quarterfinals of the CUSA Championships, but squads finishing seven through 10 will have to play a first-round contest to secure a spot in the quarters where they will then face the top two seeds, (No. 8/9 vs. No.1 and No. 7/10 vs. No. 2). UTEP will also be attempting to halt a three-game skid in the series with WKU, which includes a narrow 78-74 road setback on Jan. 30. Alex Del Barrio (PXP) and Steve Wolf (color) will be describing the action for CBSN. Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call for the game with the Toppers on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso, with audio available on the UTEP Miners App as well.
 
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. Otis Frazier III (2.44-first CUSA/12th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.20 spg-second CUSA/22nd 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.
 
ON CUSP OF SECOND-MOST STEALS IN SCHOOL HISTORY
The Miners' 285 steals this season are currently fourth on the school's single-year record list, but they are on the verge of taking over the second spot that is shared by the 2022-23 and 2009-10 teams at 285 thefts. UTEP is second in the country this campaign by averaging 10.6 steals per game, giving it a good chance of securing the No. 2 slot on the program's single-season charts vs. WKU on Thursday. The school standard (389) was set last year.
 
SERIES HISTORY: WKU LEADS, 12-2
WKU leads the series, 12-2, aided by winning three straight against UTEP. The Miners were up by five (59-54) with 10 minutes left and ahead by two (68-66) late. The Hilltoppers tallied six in a row, and UTEP never led again in an eventual 78-74 setback on Jan. 30. The Miners and WKU split the regular-season series last year, with both sides successfully defending their home court. WKU then knocked off the Orange and Blue, 78-71, in the 2024 Conference USA Championship contest. UTEP's 93-87 home triumph vs. Hilltoppers on Jan. 20, 2024, halted WKU's seven-game winning streak in the series. The Miners' first triumph in the series came in OT (93-89, Feb. 6, 2016) in front of a capacity crowd as part of the 50-year celebration of them winning the 1966 NCAA Championship vs. Kentucky, 72-65.
 
GET TO KNOW WKU (15-12, 6-8 CUSA, 12-4 HOME, 3-8 AWAY, 0-0 NEUTRAL)
WKU, the defending 2024 CUSA Tournament champions, put together a stout nonconference, rolling to a record of 9-4. That included forging a record of 8-1 at home. The Hilltoppers split their opening weekend of CUSA action before losing two of the next three. WKU righted the ship with a three-game winning streak, including knocking off the Miners, 78-74, on Jan. 30. The Hilltoppers proceeded to drop the next four contests, including back--to-back defeats inside E.A. Diddle Arena. WKU looked like it was going to fall in a fifth straight game, but Braxton Bayless scored on a layup as time expired after going all 94 feet to lift his squad past LA Tech, 64-63, on Feb. 22. The victory improved the Hilltoppers to 15-12 overall, including 6-8 within CUSA play. That mark in league action puts them one game in back of the Miners. Don McHenry, a 2024 All-CUSA First-Team honoree, sets the tone for WKU. He pours in 17.6 ppg (fifth CUSA/82nd NCAA), aided by going 102-122 (83.6 percent-third CUSA) at the charity stripe and 56-175 (32.0 percent) from distance. He also gets after it defensively with 1.5 steals per game (tied sixth CUSA). Post Babacar Faye was enjoying a huge year at 15.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg, but he hasn't played due to an injury since Dec. 14 and isn't expected to return this season. Julius Thedford (12.4 ppg) is also sidelined with an injury, leaving the Hilltoppers without their second and third-leading scorers. Khristian Lander (11.9 ppg-17th CUSA) and Tyrone Marshall (10.3 ppg-25th CUSA) are also in double figures for scoring, with Marshall serving as the team's active leading rebounder (6.4 rpg- tied seventh CUSA). He is particularly strong at the defensive end (5.5-third CUSA/80th NCAA). Jalen Jackson (2.2 apg-18th CUSA) has been running the offense, with Bayless (2.1-19th CUSA) and Lander (1.9-tied 24th) also distributing the ball. WKU has the No. 2 scoring offense in CUSA at 76.7 ppg, aided by getting out and running with 10.7 fastbreak points per game (third CUSA). The bench is accounting for 23.8 points per game (third CUSA/83rd NCAA). While WKU is last in CUSA in scoring defense (75.3 ppg-276th NCAA), it does hold foes to 41.5 percent shooting (fifth CUSA/62nd NCAA). The Hilltoppers are also among the league and national leaders for defensive rebounds per game (27.9-second/15th), total rebounds per contest (37.2-fifth/88th), steals per game (8.3-third/43rd), 3-point makes (8.6-third/94th) and attempts per game (25.1-third/84th), 3-point percentage defense (31.7-fifth/73rd), turnover margin (2.0-third/67th) and turnovers forced per game (13.3-third/77th). Notable university alumni include Romeo Crennel (former head coach of the Cleveland Browns & KC Chiefs), the late Duncan Hines (pioneer of restaurant ratings for travelers) and the late Cordell Hull (Secretary of State under FDR).
 
LOOKING BACK (AT JSU 73, UTEP 65 (2/22/25)
Otis Frazier III poured in a career-high 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his third double-double this season while also coming up with five steals to move into fourth place all time on the school's career charts for the category, but UTEP was upended at Jax State, 73-65, on Feb. 22. After an early edge by the Miners, JSU got going to vault ahead by double digits (24-13) midway through the opening half. UTEP struck back with a 14-5 surge to fight all the way back within two (29-27) with about five minutes remaining in the first stanza. JSU responded by wrapping a 15-2 run around halftime to stretch the differential to 15 (44-29) with 17 minutes to play in the contest. UTEP kept battling as the game wore on, but it could get no closer than seven the rest of the way.
 
HIGH-SCORING DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Otis Frazier III (25 points, 10 rebounds) became the first Miner to record a double-double with at least 25 points since Souley Boum accounted for 28 points while snaring 12 boards in a 63-60 victory at LA Tech on Feb. 17, 2022.
 
UNIQUE STAT LINE
At Jax State, Otis Frazier III (career-high 25 points, 10 boards and five steals), became the first UTEP player to produce a stat line of at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five steals in eight years.  Omega Harris put up 27 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and five steals in a 74-67 triumph against Charlotte on March 4, 2017.
 
BLOCK PARTY
UTEP blocked a season-high tying six shots at Jax State last time out, with Kevin Kalu's career-high three rejections and Elijah Jones's season-most equaling two leading the way. UTEP has five games this year with six swats.
 
GOTTA CLOSE THE GAP FROM 3-PT RANGE
UTEP has dropped three straight games for the first time this season, and a big reason for that has been the 3-point line. Opponents are outscoring the Miners by 39 (93-54) on treys during the stretch. UTEP has +15 advantage between two-point shots (114-96) and free throws (outscored 43-39) in the three-tilt sequence.
 
FRAZIER III TAKES OVER FOURTH PLACE FOR STEALS ON UTEP CAREER CHARTS
Otis Frazier III has registered a team-leading 66 steals on the season, with 51 of those coming in the past 17 games. The surge has elevated his career total as a Miner to 168, which puts him fourth all time at UTEP. He had five last time out at Jax State to move past the late, great Jeep Jackson (165, 1983-87). There is a significant gap between Frazier III and the top-three individuals, who are in the form of school-record holder and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway (262, 1985-89), Randy Culpepper (251, 2007-11) and Julyan Stone (209, 2007-11).
 
MOVING UP THE SINGLE-SEASON STEAL LIST
Otis Frazier III registered five steals at Jax State last time out, giving him 66 on the year. That is seventh all time on the UTEP single-season charts, but he isn't far off from fourth place. Randy Culpepper (71, 2010-11) is currently fourth, followed by Tim Hardaway (68, 1986-87) and Culpepper (67, 2008-09). Hardaway holds both the No. 1 and No. 2 slots for the school single-campaign standard (93, 1988-89, 77, 1987-88), with Frazier III's 75 from last year occupying third.
 
ON VERGE OF ANOTHER CLUB
Otis Frazier III (currently 66 steals) needs four more takeaways to join Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway as the only players in school history with at least 70 steals in multiple seasons. Frazier III had the third-most ever by a Miner (75) last year. Hardaway posted a school-record 93 in 1988-89 while recording the second-highest sum (77) at the school the prior year in 1987-88. Frazier III (currently 2.44-first CUSA/12th NCAA) is also on track to post his second straight season with at least 2.0 spg, which would put him alongside Hardaway (three in a row) as the lone Miners to achieve the feat.
 
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.
 
WHAT A DUO FOR DEFENSE
Otis Frazier III (2.44-first CUSA/12th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.20 spg-second CUSA/22nd NCAA) provide a lethal one-two punch for steals for the Miners. There are still four 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.
 
HANDLED ADVERSITY BEFORE
UTEP finds itself in a similar situation as last season. In 2023-24 the Miners had lost four in a row (longest of year) before closing out the regular season on a three-game winning streak. They carried that momentum into the CUSA Tournament, using big rallies to knock off both No. 4 seed Liberty and top-seeded Sam Houston to advance to their first CUSA Tournament Championship contest since 2011. This year's edition is currently stuck in its longest skid (three) of the season, with four games remaining before heading to Huntsville.
 
TIME TO REGROUP AND DEFEND
After keeping consecutive opponents to just 63 points, the Miners have allowed the past three foes to all eclipse 70 points (76/83/73). That's a key measuring stick for UTEP, which is 7-10 when the opposition tallies at least 70 points. It remains undefeated (10-0) when opponents do not hit 70 points, but that has happened just twice in CUSA action.
 
WON THE SECOND HALF AGAIN
UTEP held a slight scoring edge (36-34) in the second half at Jax State on Feb. 22. The Miners also outscored Kennesaw State after the break (40-36) on Feb. 20. If UTEP can do so against WKU, it would mark the first time this season to outpace the opposition over the final 20 minutes of action in three consecutive contests. UTEP previously did so in back-to-back games earlier this year, achieving the feat against San Jose State (38-35, Nov. 25) and Long Beach State (33-21, Nov. 26).
 
ATTACKING THE RIM
Even though the Miners haven't taken advantage of the opportunities as much as they would have liked (31-59, 52.5 percent), UTEP has attempted at least 24 free throws in back-to-back contests. It's the third time the Orange and Blue have made that many trips to the charity stripe, but the first since the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational (Dec. 20-21). The Miners had attempted a total of 23 free throws in the two previous tilts before making it a priority to get downhill and to the line.
CRASHING THE OFFENSIVE GLASS
UTEP has posted 10+ offensive rebounds in back-to-back games for the first time since the onset of Conference USA play and the third occasion this season. The Miners' season-long streak of the category stands at three straight (Nov. 26 through Dec. 7), coming against Long Beach State, UNCG and Seattle U.
 
IT HAPPENS TO EVERYONE
UTEP entered the game at Jax State having made 71.7 percent at the charity stripe, including 73.6 percent in CUSA play. The Miners proceeded to have an off night at the line. UTEP finished at a season-low 51.7 percent (15-29) in the eight-point setback to the Gamecocks, with the majority of those (12-25) coming in the second half.
 
PLENTY OF BENCH PRODUCTION
Led by Ahamad Bynum's 10.4 ppg (third on team, 24th CUSA), UTEP is getting 23.3 ppg from its bench. That is fifth in CUSA and just outside of the top-100 nationally (102nd). Aiding those numbers was a 37-point effort at Kennesaw State on Feb. 20, the most vs. a CUSA opponent since Miner back-ups contributed 39 points in a double-overtime loss at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 17, 2024.
 
THE DIME DROPPER
David Terrell Jr. has embraced running the point, especially since the onset of CUSA play. He is dishing out 3.8 apg on the year (sixth CUSA), which is aided by 5.2 apg in league action (second for CUSA only games). He boasts 73 assists and 32 turnovers in 14 CUSA contests, working out to a +2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio (tied third in CUSA only tilts).
 
TERRELL JR.'S SCORING TAKING OFF TOO
 David Terrell Jr. has registered double figures in scoring in five of the past seven games. He was just shy of that (nine) last time out at Jax State. He is putting up 11.7 ppg while connecting on 33-58 (56.9 percent) from the floor in the hot streak. Overall, he boasts 10 double-digit scoring efforts this season, with seven of those happening in CUSA play. That doubles the amount of such contests (five) during his 2024 CUSA Freshman of the Year campaign.
 
DON'T FORGET ABOUT HIS REBOUNDING
David Terrell Jr. snagged 2.7 rebounds per game during nonconference action, putting him fourth on the squad. Similar to other areas, he has picked his game up on the glass as well. In 14 CUSA contests, Terrell Jr. is grabbing 4.8 rebounds per game. That includes pacing the Miners with 61 defensive rebounds in league play. 
 
FRAZIER III PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH STEALS
Otis Frazier III has recorded at least one steal in 26 of 27 contests this season, including 17 with two or more thefts. Six times he has produced at least four takeaways, including tying the school record (eight) vs. Kennesaw State on Jan. 25.
 
KALU HAS BOUNCED BACK ON THE BOARDS
After UTEP's leading rebounder Kevin Kalu (5.5 rpg-15th CUSA) equaled his second-lowest total for boards of the year with two vs. FIU on Feb. 13, he has posted three straight games with five or more rebounds.
 
HEBB SHOOTING IT WELL
Baylor Hebb has made 4-9 from distance in the past six 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. He earned his second start of the season last time out at Jax State, knocking down a pair of free throws.
 
 
GET THE LEAD AT THE HALF AND IT GENERALLY GOES WELL
UTEP is 14-3 on the campaign when leading at the half. The Miners, did however, fall in the most-recent situation they enjoyed an advantage heading to halftime. They had a 35-32 edge at the break before Liberty outscored them, 44-34, over the final 20 minutes of action in an eventual 76-69 setback.
 
BACK-AND-FORTH GAMES IN CUSA
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 on Feb. 13. 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)
 
HEBB STREAKING AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
Baylor Hebb has drained 17 straight free throws, with his last miss coming in the third game of the season against UTPB on Nov. 12.
 
BYNUM IS LOCKED IN FOR FREE THROWS
After going 5-10 at the charity stripe through the first six contests, Ahamad Bynum has locked in. He has made 29-31 since that point on the way to standing a stout 82.9 percent. (34-41). He has hit 12 straight at the, including going 2-2 last time out at Jax State.
 
SHARP SHOOTING STRETCH FOR JONES
Elijah Jones has nailed 21-33 (63.7) from the floor over the past 17 games. He made 2-4 from the floor in nine minutes of action at Jax State last time out on Feb. 22. In the prior seven contests, he connected on just 2-11 (18.2 percent). Jones also blocked a season-high tying two shots against the Gamecocks, moving his average for the year to 0.6 bpg (tied 17th CUSA).
 
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 7.2 ppg on 61.2 percent shooting (74-121). One factor has been his effort at the line, which has jumped to 64.4 percent (38-59). 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 13 games this year with at least eight points, and the Miners are 10-3 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 (10 at Jax State, Feb. 22, 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). Last time out marked the first time this year that only one Miner (Frazier III-25 points) had at least 10 points.
 
VALUING THE BASKETBALL
UTEP enters the matchup vs. WKU with the 10th-best turnover margin in the country (4.6). The closest to the Miners in terms CUSA foes is WKU at 2.6. The Orange and Blue rate fifth in the nation turnovers forced per game (16.7), which helps the cause greatly. UTEP has also registered 12 or fewer giveaways in six straight and eight of the past nine contests.
 
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 18th nationally at 14.7 fastbreak points per game.
 
1,000 CAREER POINTS AND COUNTING FOR OTIS
Otis Frazier III surpassed 1,000 for his collegiate career with his first basket against FIU on Feb. 13. He erupted for a career-high 25 points last time out at Jax State, elevating his career total to 1,055 (including time with George Mason), with the majority of those (968) coming as a Miner.
 
CLOSING IN ON 1,000 POINTS AS A MINER
Otis Frazier III enters the match-up vs. WKU with 968 points in a UTEP uniform, giving him a good shot to join the Miners' 1,000-career point club. If he can do so, the senior would become the 36th member at the school.
 
A LOOK AT THE LEAGUE STANDINGS
Jax State (11-4) holds a half-game lead over Liberty (10-4) for first place in the league, with Middle Tennessee 1.5 in back at 9-5. NM State (8-6) sits alone in fourth place, with Kennesaw State (8-7) a half-game back. UTEP (7-7) sits alone in the sixth spot, with LA Tech (7-8) and WKU (6-8) close on its heels. Sam Houston (4-11) and FIU (2-12) round out the standings. The top-six finishers in the conference advance to the quarterfinals of the CUSA Tournament while teams seven through 10 have to compete in a first-round matchup to earn the right to face the top-two seeds in the quarterfinals.
 
TERRELL JR. MAKING LEAPS AND BOUNDS IN LEAGUE PLAY
David Terrell Jr. put up solid number in nonconference play, accounting for 6.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.3 spg in 26.2 mpg. He has elevated his game significantly since the onset of CUSA action, tallying 10.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.2 apg (second CUSA only) and 1.6 spg in 34.1 mpg. The sophomore has registered seven of his 10 double-digit scoring efforts this year in conference play. Overall, he is now producing 8.6 ppg to go along with 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg (sixth CUSA) and 1.5 spg (tied sixth CUSA) in 30.4 mpg (14th CUSA). He averaged 5.4 ppg as a freshman.
 
BOMBS AWAY FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Ahamad Bynum enters Thursday's matchup making a team-leading 45.7 percent (58-127) from 3-point range, which would be fifth in the nation, but his 2.32 triples per game (sixth CUSA) falls short of the NCAA's requirement of 2.50 treys per tilt. He also has a shot to set 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 more than twice as many treys.
 
A TRIO TO WATCH
Ahamad Bynum (2.3 per game-tied sixth CUSA), Otis Frazier III (1.5 per game-tied 17th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (1.4 per game-tied 19th 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 36.9 percent (201-547) on triples (third CUSA/50th NCAA). The Miners have also guarded the 3-point ball decently, with foes at 32.0 percent (188-588), which is top-100 nationally at 90th
 
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 (0-8) or tied (0-1) at that juncture.
 
CONVERTING TURNOVERS INTO POINTS
UTEP is accounting for 19.1 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 12.7 ppg in the category. UTEP is 15-5 when winning the category this year and 2-5 when failing to do so. Two of those losses came when Corey Camper Jr. was sidelined with an injury.
 
IMPROVEMENT IN HOSTILE TERRITORY
The Miners are 4-6 on the road (3-4 CUSA), including winning at NM State for the first time in 14 years 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 home 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 career-high 25-point effort last time out at Jax State, he has produced four 20+ point tilts this season.
 
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. The Miners have dug themselves early holes the past two tilts, with both Kennesaw State and Jax State surging out of the gates.
 
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 (5-9) 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.
 
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 second in CUSA in both free throws made per game (14.6) and free throws attempted per contest (20.7-98th NCAA). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating ninth in CUSA and 292nd in the country by committing 18.3 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 on Feb. 15). The Miners have enjoyed advantages of at least 20 points in eight different contests.
 
OPPONENTS HAVEN'T DONE THAT OFTEN
UTEP has only trailed by double figures in five contests (at Utah Valley, Nov. 9, vs. San Jose State, Nov. 25 in Las Vegas, Nev., against NM State, Jan. 11, at Kennesaw State, Feb. 20 and at Jax State, Feb. 22) 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 72.6 points per game, which is equal to last season's squad. There are still four games left in the regular season, but that gives them a chance to have 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 69.0 ppg (fifth CUSA/97th 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.
 
 
CONSTANTLY COMING AFTER YOU
UTEP is averaging a 10.6 steals per game, which puts it second in the country. The Miners led the NCAA last year at 11.4 spg. Dating to the beginning of last season, the Miners have registered at least seven steals in 57 of the past 60 contests.
 
CONSISTENT AS THEY COME
Otis Frazier III has registered double figures in scoring in 23 of the 27 games this season (85.2 percent). That included a streak of 16 straight double-digit efforts (halted at Kennesaw State, Feb. 20), in addition to four 20+ scoring outbursts. He has scored in every contest this year and the past 75 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 second in CUSA and 20th nationally at 2.44 steals per game. He has multiple steals in 18 of his 25 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) has moved past 450 career rebounds. He enters the matchup against WKU with 465 boards in his fourth year as a Miner. Otis Frazier III has the lead for total DI collegiate rebounds (481, including time at George Mason), but Kalu has the edge in terms of rebounds as a Miner (465-420).
 
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 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 1.4 triples per tilt rating tied for 19th 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 (5.3 rpg-tied 17th 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 3.3 (tied 22nd CUSA).
 
PILED UP 10 WINS OUT OF CONFERENCE
UTEP (now 17-10 overall, 7-7 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 (career-high 25 points, 10 rebounds at Jax State, Feb. 22, 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 four 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).
 
SHUTTING THEM DOWN
UTEP is 10-0 on the year when allowing 65 points or less in a game. The Miners' scoring defense is at 69.2 ppga (fifth CUSA/95th 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 (11) has set the tone. That is followed by Corey Camper Jr. and David Terrell Jr. and Devon Barnes at four, Ahamad Bynum (three) and Kevin Kalu (one).
 
SCORING STREAKS
Otis Frazier III (75) and Devon Barnes (57) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (30) and David Terrell Jr. (29) each have put up points in at least 20 straight contests.
 
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER ON OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 14.4 ppg-ninth CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 10.7 ppg-tied 22nd CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-10.4 ppg-24th and Devon Barnes-9.4 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 54.7 percent (373-682) of their field goals. David Terrell Jr. (3.8 apg-sixth CUSA) leads the way, aided by a 5.2 apg in CUSA contests (second league-only games). Otis Frazier III (2.6-apg-15th CUSA) and Corey Camper Jr. and Devon Barnes (2.1-tied 19th 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 (2.5 apg-15th), steals (2.44 spg-first CUSA/12th NCAA), blocks (0.7-tied 14th) and free-throw percentage (73.9-13th). The senior tops the Miners in scoring and steals, shares it in blocks while rating second for assists. He also leads the team in free throws made (90) and attempted (122) and double-digit scoring efforts (23).
 
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 (10.7-22nd CUSA) and steals (2.20-second CUSA/20th NCAA). Camper Jr. is also tied for third in the team in assists (2.1 apg-tied 19th CUSA). He has reached double figures in scoring 15 times (missed two CUSA contests with an injury). Camper Jr. also tops the team in minutes played (31.4-11th 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 fouling out three times, but he hasn't done so since. He is dishing out 3.8 assists per game (sixth CUSA) to pace the squad, aided by an average of 5.2 apg in league contests (second CUSA only). His scoring has elevated to 8.6 ppg (5.4 as a freshman), buoyed by double-digit efforts in five of the past seven outings. He is putting up 10.1 ppg in CUSA play to rate second on the squad. Terrell Jr., who often draws the toughest defensive assignment, comes up with 1.6 spg (tied sixth 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 9.4 ppg (fourth on team) to go along with 1.5 steals per game (tied sixth CUSA). He is third on the team for 3-pointers made (38) and 3-pointers attempted (111). That results in 1.4 treys made per contest (tied 19th CUSA). Barnes is also good at getting to the line, rating second on UTEP in free throws made (66) and attempted (95). 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 (21 times). He contributes 10.4 ppg (third on team), doing lots of damage from distance. He has made 58-127 (45.7 percent) of his triples, which would be among the national leaders, but he is shy (2.32-sixth CUSA) of the required 2.5 makes per game. He has sank multiple 3-pointers in 19 of his 25 appearances. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 14 times. Bynum has compiled 11 double-digit efforts off the bench and 12 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 two times in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 61.2 percent (74-121) 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 shares the lead for blocked shots (0.7-tied 14th 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 is second country in steals per game (10.6) while rating fifth in turnovers forced per game (16.7). UTEP sports the top-two players in Conference USA for steals, with Otis Frazier III (2.44, first CUSA/12th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.20, second/22nd NCAA) leading the way. Devon Barnes and David Terrell Jr. (1.5-tied sixth CUSA) are 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 rating second in the nation in steals per game (10.6) while placing fifth in turnovers forced per contest (16.7). UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season.
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 269th in the country by attempting 20.3 triples per game, but the Miners have been locked in when doing so. UTEP is third in the league and 50th in the nation with a readout of 36.7 percent (201-547) from beyond-the-arc.
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
Even with foes having hit more 3-pointers in three straight games, UTEP has drained equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 16 of 27 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 201-547 (36.7 percent-third CUSA/50th NCAA) compared to an effort of 188-588 (32.0 percent-90th 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 vs. WKU second in the country in steals per game (10.6 spg) while rating fifth in turnovers forced per game (16.7). 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. 20 games played) averaging at least 10.0 minutes per game. Corey Camper Jr. (31.4 mpg, tied 11th CUSA), David Terrell Jr. (30.4 mpg-14th CUSA), Otis Frazier III (29.9 mpg-15th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (25.0) are all above 25.0 mpg. Kevin Kalu (21.9 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (19.7 mpg), Trey Horton III (10.9 mpg) and Baylor Hebb (10.9) 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 and KJ Thomas 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 at the Don Haskins Center 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 sixth heading to game vs. WKU), as voted upon the league's 10 head coaches. It was a relatively close poll, with only 25 points separating the first six teams. LA Tech (87) was tabbed the favorite, followed by WKU (85), Sam Houston (83), Middle Tennessee (69), Liberty (62) and UTEP (62). NM State (39-seventh), Jax State (29-eighth), FIU (17-tied ninth) and Kennesaw State (17-tied ninth). LA Tech (three), Sam Houston (three), WKU (two), Middle Tennessee (one) and Liberty (one) all received at least one first-place vote.
 
A YEAR IN REVIEW
-                Finished the year at 18-16 for the second winning seasons in three years under head coach Joe Golding.
-                Made the program's first appearance in the conference tournament championship contest since 2011.
-                Beat the No. 1 seed Sam Houston in the semifinals, the Miners' first win against a top seed at the league tournament since the 1993 WAC Championships.
-                Became the first team in school history to come back from double-digit deficits to win consecutive contests in a league tournament. UTEP overcame a 12-point deficit vs. Liberty while roaring back from 14 against Sam Houston.
-                Won multiple games at the CUSA tournament for the first time since 2011.
-                Became the lowest seed in school history to advance to the championship contest of the league tournament.
-                Won a game at the league tournament by two points or less for the first time since 1992 after ousting top seed Sam Houston
-                Led the nation in both steals per game and turnovers forced per game.
-                Set school record for total steals and total turnovers forced. UTEP's 389 total steals are the second most ever by a CUSA program since the league's inception.
-                Tae Hardy earned All-District and All-CUSA honors.
-                UTEP had three of the five players on the CUSA All-Freshman Team, including Freshman of the Year David Terrell Jr. Terrell Jr. was joined on the All-Freshman squad by Trey Horton III and Elijah Jones
-                Otis Frazier III was All-CUSA Honorable-Mention and voted to the CUSA All-Defensive Team, the first selection to the squad for UTEP since 2015.
-                Won the 2023 Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational for the first time under head coach Joe Golding.
 
THE BASIC FACTS ON UTEP'S PROGRAM
-                This is the 104th season of UTEP men's basketball. The Miners made history by starting five African-Americans to defeat Kentucky, 72-65, and win the 1966 NCAA Championship on the way to inspiring the Disney hit movie Glory Road.
-                UTEP has 17 NCAA Tournament appearances (last in 2010), 11 NIT bids (last in 2015), 12 conference championships (last in 2010) and 26 seasons with at least 20+ victories (last in 2015). The Miners have won five league tournaments (last in 2005).
-                The Miners have a strong presence in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with Don Haskins, Nate Archibald, Nolan Richardson, the 1966 team and Tim Hardaway all representing UTEP.
 
GET TO KNOW COACH GOLDING
Joe Golding is in his fourth year at UTEP, and he is the 20th head coach in program history. He is the eighth head coach for the Miners since legendary Hall of Fame Coach Don Haskins retired following the 1998-99 season. Golding is 227-202 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 69-58 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is mathematically assured of another in 2024-25. Golding 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 play host to Middle Tennessee for "Senior Day" at 2 p.m. MT Saturday. As part of "Fan Appreciation Day," all tickets will be $9.15. Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call on "The Home of UTEP Basketball" 600 ESPN El Paso, with audio airing on the UTEP Miners app as well. It will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required), with Andy Morgan and former Miner assistant coach Bobby Braswell describing the action. For tickets, please visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or call (915) 747-UTEP.