Game Notes In PDF Format

OPENING TIP
The UTEP men's basketball team (17-13, 7-10 CUSA) will try to get back into the win column while also securing some momentum for the 2025 Conference USA Championships when it wraps up the regular season at LA Tech (19-11, 8-9 CUSA) at 1 p.m. MT/2 p.m. CT Saturday. The Miners have dropped six in a row, with the past two setbacks coming by a combined three points. UTEP fell by one (76-75) in OT on "Senior Day" against Middle Tennessee on March 1 before being held off in a high-scoring affair at Sam Houston, 89-87, on March 6. After claiming two of three, the Bulldogs were bested by NM State, 67-55, on March 6. UTEP is in eighth place (7-10) in the league and is locked into playing a first-round game at the CUSA Championships on March 11. A victory against LA Tech would let the Orange and Blue jump to the seventh seed for the CUSA Tournament, where they'd face FIU. A setback would result in the eighth seed and set up a rematch from March 6 against Sam Houston. Otis Frazier III, who surpassed 1,000 career points in his collegiate career vs. FIU on Feb. 13, has 988 points in a Miner uniform. He's seeking to be the 36th member of the 1,000-point club at UTEP, and the 17th to do so in three seasons or less. UTEP defeated LA Tech, the preseason favorite, 70-60, at the Don Haskins Center on Jan. 2. The Miners will be attempting to sweep the season series for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign and the second time ever. That year, both programs were members of the WAC. UTEP claimed both matchups in the regular season before knocking out LA Tech in its first contest at the WAC Tournament. Jon Teicher (44th year) will be on the call for matchup with the Bulldogs 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 Will Conerly and Spencer Pattison describing the action.
 
KUDOS TO KALU
Kevin Kalu was named to the CUSA All-Academic men's basketball team on March 6. He boasts the top GPA on the team (3.72) while pursuing a degree in multidisciplinary studies. Kalu is the second Miner in the past three years (Shamar Givance, 2023) to be voted to the squad and the sixth to be so distinguished since UTEP joined Conference USA (2005-06). The other Miners to have been selected with UTEP in CUSA are Dominic Artis (2016), Cedrick Lang and McKenzie Moore (2013) and Isaac Gordon (2010).
 
SERIES HISTORY: LA TECH LEADS, 20-15
LA Tech leads the series with UTEP, 20-15, but the Miners did knock off the Bulldogs, 70-60, earlier this year on Jan. 2. It halted a three-game streak in the series for LA Tech. Four of the past five matchups between the schools had been decided by six points or less before UTEP had the double-digit victory earlier this season. LA Tech is 13-2 all time when playing at home (12-2 in Ruston), but the Miners did pick up a 63-60 road triumph during the 2021-22 season, which was Joe Golding's first year on the sidelines in the Sun City. It was also the Orange and Blue's initial road victory against the Bulldogs on the road in 18 years. The two sides have squared off against each other as both members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and now CUSA. UTEP has never swept the Bulldogs as members of CUSA, but it did so once (2003-04) when each squad competed in the WAC.
 
GET TO KNOW LA TECH (19-11, 8-9 CUSA, 10-4 HOME, 5-7 AWAY, 4-0 NEUTRAL)
Preseason Conference USA favorite LA Tech very much looked the part heading into league action. The Bulldogs bulldozed their way to seven straight wins to start the season on the way to wrapping up nonconference play at 11-2. After dropping both games on its trip to The Borderland, including a 70-60 setback at UTEP on Jan. 2, LA Tech regrouped to the tune of ripping off five victories in a seven-game stretch. The Bulldogs lost three of the next four, but they shook that off by going 2-1 on a brutal stretch with three consecutive road contests. It included double-digit victories at both Middle Tennessee (85-74, Feb. 20) and at Sam Houston (90-66, March 1). Last time out, however, the Bulldogs were bested by NM State, 67-55, at home, as they slipped to 19-11 overall (8-9 CUSA). Everything LA Tech does starts with standout Daniel Batcho, who paces the team in scoring (17.2 ppg-sixth CUSA), field-goal percentage (68.9-first CUSA/second NCAA) and blocked shots per game (2.0-first CUSA/25th NCAA) while rating second in rebounding (6.7 rpg-sixth CUSA). Amaree Abram (12.3 ppg-16th CUSA) joins him in double figures on average, with Sean Newman Jr. (9.9 ppg) just shy of that. Newman does even more damage with his passing, dishing out 8. 0 apg (first CUSA/third NCAA). Newman Jr. (33.1-fourth CUSA) and Abram (32.4-sixth CUSA) play plenty of minutes for the Bulldogs. Another name to keep an eye on is Kaden Cooper, the top rebounder (7.4 rpg-fifth CUSA) on the squad. In addition to Batcho's rim protection, Abram (1.5 spg-tied sixth CUSA) and Cooper (1.4 spg-tied 11th CUSA) give opponents fits with their perimeter defense. The Bulldogs do so many things well across the board, and rate in the CUSA leaders and top-100 nationally for many categories. Among them are assists per game (15.4-second/65th), blocks per game (4.0-fourth/79th), field-goal percentage (46.8-second/71st), field-goal percentage defense (41.6-sixth/62nd), fewest fouls per game (15.5-third/68th), free-throw percentage (75.9-second/49th), rebound margin (+4.0-third/70th), defensive boards per game (26.6-fifth/52nd) and scoring defense (68.4-third/74th). It is just outside the top 100 nationally for 3-point percentage defense (32.1-seventh/101st NCAA). LA Tech doesn't get a ton of scoring from the bench (17.4-ninth CUSA/260th NCAA). It has also struggled, statistically at least, in fastbreak scoring (8.5-ninth/249th), offensive rebounds per game (9.4-seventh/263rd), steals per game (6.5-ninth-241st), turnover margin (-2.1-ninth/308th), turnovers forced per game (10.4-ninth/306th) and most turnovers committed per game (12.5-seventh/247th). Notable alumni include former NFL star and Super Bowl Champion and now TV personality Terry Bradshaw, former NBA standout Karl Malone and Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson.
 
LOOKING BACK (AT SAM HOUSTON 89, UTEP 87 (3/6/25)
Devon Barnes tallied 16 points to pace six different Miners in double figures, but UTEP was outlasted at Sam Houston, 89-87, on March 6. UTEP led for 26 minutes of the contest, including being up by as many as 12 in the first half. The advantage was two (42-40) at the break, but the home side used hot shooting to retake the lead down the stretch. The Miners were clinging to a one-point edge (64-63, 8:20, 2H) before seven straight from Sam Houston put it back in front. UTEP continued to battle by making it a one-possession contest on eight different occasions, but it couldn't quite get over the top.
 
SCORING ACROSS THE BOARD
Devon Barnes (16 points), Corey Camper Jr. (15 points), Ahamad Bynum (13 points), Elijah Jones (11 points), Derick Hamilton (10 points) and David Terrell Jr. (10 points) all reached double figures in scoring. It marked the first time to have six Miners in double digits for scoring against a DI opponent since an 89-82 win at FAU on Feb. 13, 2016.
 
THAT'S HOW YOU SHOOT THE TREY
UTEP was 10-24 (41.7 percent) from 3-point range at Sam Houston, breaking out of a long-distance shooting slump in the process.  The Miners were a combined 18-81 (22.2 percent) in the four previous contests.
 
MULTIPLE PLAYERS GOT GOING
Ahamad Bynum buried four 3-pointers, including 3-3 in the first four minutes of the contest. Devon Barnes knocked down two triples, capping his night with a near three-quarter court length to beat the buzzer at the end of the game. Elijah Jones also had two treys.
 
PILED THEM UP FROM DISTANCE
UTEP buried at least 10 triples for the first time since also nailing 10 at FIU (Jan. 18) and the fifth occasion this campaign. It marks the most games with 10 or more 3-pointers in a season since doing so seven times in 2021-22, which was head coach Joe Golding's first year on the sidelines in the Sun City.
 
SHOT IT BETTER OVERALL TOO
UTEP's readout of 48.2 percent from the floor (31-64) was its best since finishing at 50.0 percent (30-60) in a win vs. FIU on Feb. 13. The 31 made field goals were the most vs. a CUSA opponent since going 32-80 (40.0 percent) in a double-overtime loss at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 17, 2024. In terms of regulation league games, it equaled the most field-goals made since making 31-67 (46.3 percent) in a 93-87 vanquishing of WKU on Jan. 20, 2024.
 
CONTINUING TO CRASH OFFENSIVE GLASS
For the fourth time in the past five games, UTEP had at least 10 offensive rebounds. The Miners finished with exactly 10 offensive boards in the contest at Sam Houston, leading to 13 second-chance points.
 
BYNUM'S THE FIRST TO DO THIS IN THREE YEARS
For the first time this season, Ahamad Bynum has knocked down at least four 3-pointers in consecutive contests. He is 8-16 in the stretch, including a sizzling 4-5 last time out at Sam Houston on March 6. The last Miner to nail four or more triples in back-to-back games was Souley Boum (5-8, vs. FAU, Jan. 27, 2021, 4-8, vs. FIU, Jan. 29, 2021). UTEP hasn't had an individual produce three consecutive contests with at least four 3-pointers made since at least 2003-04.
 
BIG BOOST FROM THE BENCH
UTEP's backups poured in 40 points at Sam Houston on March 6, marking the highest total from the pine since getting 44 in an 88-72 throttling of Seattle U (Dec. 7, 2023) earlier this year. In terms of CUSA opponents, it was the most points since the Orange and Blue's reserves contributed 42 points in an 80-62 home victory against Rice on Dec. 30, 2017. Devon Barnes (16 points), Elijah Jones (11 points) and Derick Hamilton (10 points) did the majority of the damage.
 
INSTANT OFFENSE
Elijah Jones tallied 11 points on 4-7 shooting in only 15 minutes of action at Sam Houston on March 6. It marked his third double-digit scoring effort of the year, all of which have come in CUSA play.
 
PUTTING IN WORK IN THE PAINT
Derick Hamilton contributed 10 points on 5-8 shooting (62.5 percent) at Sam Houston on March 6. He had been in a bit of a scoring slump, tallying a combined six points in the prior four contests.
 
BACK-TO-BACK CLOSE CALLS
UTEP has dropped the past two games by a combined three points, falling at home to Middle Tennessee in OT, 76-75, on March 1 before being held off at Sam Houston, 89-87, on March 6. It marks the first time that the Miners have lost consecutive games by two points or less since the 2011-12 season. That year, UTEP was upended, 77-75, at Rice (Feb. 1, 2012) before falling, 61-60, at home against UAB (Feb. 4, 2012).
 
BARNES BOUNCES BACK
After making a combined 6-33 (18.2 percent), including 1-15 (6.7 percent) from triples, the past five games, Devon Barnes broke out in a big way at Sam Houston on March 6. He finished 5-10 from the floor, aided by going 3-5 from beyond-the-arc. Barnes tallied 16 points, his third-highest total in CUSA action, to go along with a career-best tying five rebounds in 26 impactful minutes off the bench. Boosting his numbers was his team-leading third four-point play of the year.
 
THAT'S THE COREY WE KNOW
Corey Camper Jr. contributed 15 points and four boards at Sam Houston on March 6, but he was also active defensively with a team-high tying three steals. The 15 points were his most since the opening weekend of league play (16 vs. Sam Houston, Jan. 4), while his three takeaways tied as his second-best output in conference action. He had four vs. LA Tech (Jan. 2) and three each at Liberty (Jan.16) and vs. FIU (Feb. 13).
 
COULDN'T GET ENOUGH STOPS
Sam Houston finished at 58.5 percent (31-53) from the floor, helped by connecting on 10-20 from 3-point range. That readout of 58.5 marks the highest by a Miner opponent since WKU nailed 61.9 percent (39-63) in 93-87 UTEP victory on Jan. 20, 2024.
 
POUNDING THE PAINT
Both UTEP and Sam Houston went to work in the paint, with each team tallying 40 points down low. It's the first time both squads finished with at least 40 points in the paint since UTEP bested WKU, 93-87, on Jan. 20, 2024. The Miners had 40 in that contest while WKU finished with 60 in the paint.
 
BYNUM INTO TOP-10 FOR TRIPLES IN SINGLE SEASON AT UTEP
Ahamad Bynum knocked down four 3-pointers at Sam Houston on March 6, bringing his campaign total to 68. That puts him tied for ninth on the UTEP single-season charts, alongside Tae Hardy (68, 2023-24) and Jamal Bieniemy (68, 2021-22). His next triple will give him sole possession of ninth place. Daryl Edwards (74, 2019-20) stands in eighth on the charts while Antoine Gillespie (77, 1994-95) is seventh. His 147 attempts, however, don't even make the top 20 at the school.
 
CHASING BEST PERCENTAGE IN A SEASON
Ahamad Bynum has connected on 46.3 percent (68-147) from distance. That figure would be the best in a single season at UTEP (min. 1.0 3-pointers made per game). The school standard is held by Roy Smallwood (1999-00), who was 28-61 (45.9 percent) as a freshman. It should be noted that Bynum has nailed more than twice as many treys. Smallwood is the only player in program history to finish at 45.0 percent or better in a season (min. 1.0 triples made per game).
 
MOVED INTO TOP-FIVE SPOT FOR TREYS AS TEAM
After the Miners knocked down 10 triples at Sam Houston on March 6, they vaulted all the way to third on the school single-season charts with 220 3-pointers this year. With four more makes from distance, the Orange and Blue will take over second place (223, 2015-16). The program standard, which was set during head coach Joe Golding's first season on the sidelines, is safe at 259.
 
THAT'S 12 STRAIGHT GAMES AS ASSIST LEADER FOR DT
David Terrell Jr. has paced the team in assists in 12 consecutive contests, compiling 66 helpers in the stretch for a readout of 5.5 apg. That's the longest streak by a Miner since Jamal Bieniemy had 16 such games in a row (Dec. 8, 2020-Feb. 6, 2021). Bieniemy had the outright lead in nine tilts while sharing it seven times whereas Terrell Jr. has been the solo top distributor in all 12 games during the surge.
 
TERRELL JR. CLIMBING ASSIST LIST FOR UTEP SOPHOMORES
David Terrell Jr. has recorded 115 assists this year. He had four dimes last time out, which moved him past Jason Williams (112, 2003-04) and into fourth place. Prince Stewart (126, 1988-89) occupies third. It's also the most assists by a UTEP sophomore since Julyan Stone's (236, No. 1 on sophomore list, No. 2 regardless of class) in 2008-09. Terrell Jr.'s 3.97 apg would be the most since Stone (6.38, 2008-09) and fourth on the program's single-campaign average for sophomores.
 
FOUR DOUBLE-DOUBLES FOR OTIS
Otis Frazier III has posted double-doubles in two of the past four contests and four times total this year. The rest of the team has two on the campaign. The four double-doubles are the most by a Miner since Shamar Givance also registered four in 2022-23, but the Toronto, Ontario, native did so with points and assists that season while Frazier III has used the more conventional points and rebounds. The last UTEP player to have more than four double-doubles in a campaign was Bryson Williams with five in 2020-21.
 
THREE STRAIGHT GAMES WITH  70+ POINTS
UTEP has scored 70+ points in three straight games, the longest streak since a four-contest stretch spanning the end of nonconference play and the beginning of league action (Dec. 21, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025). The Miners' 87 points were the most vs. a CUSA foe this year and the second-highest total against a DI opponent on the season (88 vs. Seattle U, Dec. 7).
 
THAT'S A LOT OF POINTS IN REGULATION ON THE ROAD
UTEP's 87 points at Sam Houston were the most in a regulation road contest since the Miners also had that figure in an 87-82 win at FIU on Feb. 23, 2023.
 
DEFENSE THE KEY TO GETTING ON TRACK
UTEP is undefeated this season (10-0) when allowing less than 70 points, but 7-13 when yielding above that figure. Six straight foes have topped 70 points, although Middle Tennessee did have 66 at the end of regulation last time out on March 1. Sam Houston's 89 points equaled a season high for UTEP opponents. Utah Valley also put up 89 points on Nov. 9, 2024.
 
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 (2.30-first CUSA/17th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.11 spg-second CUSA/37th 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.
 
SECOND-MOST STEALS IN SCHOOL HISTORY
The Miners posted nine steals last time out at Sam Houston, elevating their seasonal total to 309. The 2024-25 UTEP squad is second all time on the school's single-season list for takeaways. The program standard (389) was set last year, making it the most successful run of steals in school history. With just one games remaining in the regular season plus at least one contest in the 2025 CUSA Championships (March 11-15), the program record is safe. The Miners, however, are still leading CUSA and are third nationally at 10.3 steals per game, so this year's squad has a chance to make it harder for future teams to catch it.
 
FRAZIER III IN FOURTH PLACE FOR STEALS ON UTEP CAREER CHARTS
Otis Frazier III has registered a team-leading 69 steals on the season, with 54 of those coming in the past 20 games. The surge has elevated his career total as a Miner to 171, which puts him fourth all time at UTEP. He officially took over that spot after posting five steals at Jax State on Feb. 22, surpassing 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 enters Saturday's contest with 69 steals this season. That puts him fifth place on UTEP's single season charts. With two takeaways vs. Middle Tennessee on March 1, he vaulted past both Randy Culpepper (67, 2008-09) and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway (68, 1986-87). He is three thefts away from taking sole possession of fourth place. Culpepper (71, 2010-11) is currently fourth. 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 69 steals) needs just one steal 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 2.38-first CUSA/11th 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 only 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 (2.30-first CUSA/17th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.11 spg-second CUSA/28th NCAA) provide a lethal one-two punch for steals for the Miners. One game remains 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.
 
SHARING THE LOAD ON THE BOARDS
Kevin Kalu (5.6 rpg-14th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (5.4 rpg-tied 15th CUSA) have been the top two rebounders all year for the Orange and Blue. Kalu is snagging 3.9 defensive rebounds per contest (tied 12th CUSA while Frazier III stands at 3.4 drpg (22nd CUSA). Frazier III (2.0-tied eighth CUSA) tops the squad at the other end of the court, but Kalu (1.7-tied 12th) isn't too far off. Frazier III paced UTEP in offensive rebounds per game last season.
 
PLENTY OF BENCH PRODUCTION
Led by Ahamad Bynum's 10.6 ppg (second on team, tied 22nd CUSA), UTEP is getting 24.2 ppg from its bench. That is fourth in CUSA and 77th in the country. He has started two of the past three tilts, however. UTEP's backups were at their best last time out at Sam Houston, piling up 40 points.
 
THE DIME DROPPER
David Terrell Jr. has embraced running the point, especially in CUSA play. He is dishing out 4.0 apg on the year (fifth CUSA), which is aided by 5.2 apg in league action (second for CUSA only games). He boasts 88 assists and 40 turnovers in CUSA play, working out to a +2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio (tied third in CUSA only tilts). His overall assist-to-turnover ratio is +1.7 (ninth CUSA)
 
TERRELL JR.'S SCORING TAKING OFF TOO
 David Terrell Jr. has registered double figures in scoring in seven of the past 10 games. He is accounting for 10.9 ppg while connecting on 41-77 (53.2 percent) from the floor in the hot streak. Overall, he boasts 12 double-digit scoring efforts this season, with nine of those happening in CUSA play. That more than 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 CUSA action, Terrell Jr. is grabbing 4.8 rebounds per game. That includes pacing the Miners with 72 defensive rebounds in league play. 
 
FRAZIER III PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH STEALS
Otis Frazier III has recorded at least one steal in 28 of 30 contests this season, including 18 with two or more thefts. Six times he has produced at least four takeaways, including tying his own school record (eight) vs. Kennesaw State on Jan. 25.
 
GET THE LEAD AT THE HALF AND IT GENERALLY GOES WELL
UTEP is 14-5 on the campaign when leading at the half. The Miners, however, have dropped the past three contests, all of which have occurred during the skid, in the situation.
 
HEBB STREAKING AT THE CHARITY STRIPE
Baylor Hebb has drained 19 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 32-36 since that point on the way to standing a stout 80.4 percent. (37-46). He had hit 14 straight at the line before finishing 1-3 at Sam Houston on March 6.
 
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 8.0 ppg on 62.7 percent shooting (89-142). One factor has been his effort at the line, which has jumped to 67.1 percent (53-79). That's a huge improvement from making 46.6 percent (27-58) last year. Overall, he has produced 10 double-digit scoring games, including a career-best 26 points last time vs. Middle Tennessee on March 1. That is five times as many double-figure efforts (two) over 91 appearances in his first three years with the Miners.
 
PRETTY GOOD WITH BALANCED SCORING
UTEP is 11-3 on the season when four or more players reach double figures in scoring. The Miners did so last time out with six in double digits, the most in nine years, but it wasn't enough to produce a victory.
 
VALUING THE BASKETBALL
UTEP enters the matchup at LA with the 10th-best turnover margin in the country (4.5). The closest to the Miners in terms CUSA foes is Liberty at 2.4. The Orange and Blue rate sixth in the nation for turnovers forced per game (16.4), which helps the cause greatly. UTEP has also registered 12 or fewer giveaways in 10 of the past 12 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 21st nationally at 14.3 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 heads into the game at LA Tech with 1,075 (including time with George Mason), with the majority of those (988) coming as a Miner.
 
CLOSING IN ON 1,000 POINTS AS A MINER
Otis Frazier III enters the game at Sam Houston with 988 points in a UTEP uniform, giving him a shot to join the Miners' 1,000-career point club as early as Saturday's tilt. He would become the 36th member at the school, and the 17th to accomplish the feat in three seasons or less.
 
A LOOK AT THE LEAGUE STANDINGS
Liberty and Jax State are tied for first place at 12-5, but the Flames will secure the No. 1 seed for the CUSA Championships by finishing with the same or better record than Jax State. Middle Tennessee is alone in third place at 11-6, with NM State (10-7) close behind. It is much more muddled after that, with Kennesaw State (9-8), LA Tech (8-9) and WKU (8-9) all within a game of each other. The Miners are alone in eighth place, but they can lock up the seven seed with a road victory against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Sam Houston (5-12) and FIU (3-14) will be the ninth and 10th seeds, respectively, at the CUSA Championships (March 11-14).
 
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 in CUSA action, tallying 9.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.2 apg (second CUSA only) and 1.8 spg (tied second CUSA only) in 34.1 mpg (fifth CUSA only). The sophomore has registered nine of his 12 double-digit scoring efforts this year in conference play. Overall, he is now producing 8.6 ppg to go along with 3.9 rpg, 4.0 apg (fifth CUSA) and 1.6 spg (tied fourth CUSA) in 30.9 mpg (15th CUSA). He averaged 5.4 ppg as a freshman.
 
MAKING TRIPLES LEADS TO WINS
UTEP has connected on at least seven 3-pointers in 17 games this year, holding an 11-6 mark in those contests.
 
CONVERTING TURNOVERS INTO POINTS
UTEP is accounting for 18.6 points per game off turnovers while foes have managed just 12.6 ppg in the category. UTEP is 15-6 when winning the category this year, 0-1 when tying for it 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 4-7 on the road (3-5 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 a career-high 25-point effort at Jax State on Feb. 22, 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 11-5 on the season when getting on the board first.
 
THAT MAKES SENSE
UTEP has been nearly unbeatable (12-2) this year when shooting it better than the opposition, but it's been a struggle (5-10) when foes outshoot the Miners.
 
DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN, BUT WE WIN WHEN IT DOES
UTEP has 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 (15.3-90th NCAA) and free throws attempted per contest (21.6-58th NCAA). That aggressive drive to the rim has helped compensate for rating eighth in CUSA and 299th in the country by committing 18.3 fouls per game.
 
BUILDING BIG LEADS AND HOLDING ON
UTEP has been up by double digits in 18 different games this year, and it holds a 15-3 mark in those tilts. The Miners have enjoyed advantages of at least 20 points in eight different contests.
 
SCORING LOTS OF POINTS
The Miners are averaging 73.2 points per game. 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 70.4. 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. In 2023-24, the Miners accounted for 72.6 ppg.
 
CONSTANTLY COMING AFTER YOU
UTEP is averaging a 10.3 steals per game, which puts it third 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 59 of the past 62 contests.
 
CONSISTENT AS THEY COME
Otis Frazier III has registered double figures in scoring in 24 of the 30 games this season (80.0 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 78 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 24th nationally at 2.11 steals per game. He has multiple steals in 19 of his 27 appearances (missed two full contests with an injury), including a career-high five vs. UTPB on Nov. 12.
 
KALU CLOSING IN ON 500 CAREER BOARDS
Kevin Kalu, who holds the team lead for rebounding at 5.6 rpg (14th CUSA), pulled down four boards last time out to elevate his career total to 485 in his fourth year as a Miner.
 
OTIS JUST HIT IT
Including his time with George Mason, Otis Frazier III enters the game at LA Tech with 501 rebounds in his collegiate career. He has the majority of those (440) as a Miner.
 
SURPASSING 80 MEANS GOOD THINGS
UTEP put up 87 points last time out at Sam Houston, which trailed only the 88 points put up against Seattle U on Dec. 7 for most points vs. a DI program his season. The Miners suffered their first loss this year in the situation (4-1). They remain 20-5 under head coach Joe Golding when putting up at least 80 points.
 
PILED UP 10 WINS OUT OF CONFERENCE
UTEP (now 17-13 overall, 7-10 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 (13 points, 11 rebounds, vs. Middle Tennessee, March 1, 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 five 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).
 
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 Devon Barnes (six), David Terrell Jr. (five) Corey Camper Jr. (four), Ahamad Bynum (three) and Kevin Kalu (two).
 
SCORING STREAKS
Otis Frazier III (78) and Devon Barnes (60) both have long streaks for consecutive games scored. Corey Camper Jr. (33) and David Terrell Jr. (32) each have put up points in at least 30 straight contests.
 
BALANCED APPROACH TO OFFENSE
UTEP's top-four scorers (Otis Frazier III, 13.6 ppg-11th CUSA, Ahamad Bynum-10.6 ppg-23rd CUSA, Corey Camper Jr., 10.4 ppg-25th CUSA and Devon Barnes-9.6 ppg) have made it difficult for the opposition to key on just any one player.
 
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 53.8 percent (408-758) of their field goals. David Terrell Jr. (4.0 apg-fifth CUSA) leads the way, aided by a 5.2 apg in CUSA contests (second league-only games). Otis Frazier III (2.5-apg-15th CUSA), Corey Camper Jr. (2.1-tied 18th CUSA) and Devon Barnes (2.1-tied 18th 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 (13.6 ppg-11th), assists (2.5 apg-15th), steals (2.30 spg-first CUSA/17th NCAA), blocks (0.7-tied 13th) and free-throw percentage (73.5-13th). The senior tops the Miners in scoring and steals, shares the lead in blocks while rating second for assists and rebounding (5.4-15th CUSA). He also paces the team in free throws made (100) and attempted (136) and double-digit scoring efforts (24).
 
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 in steals (2.11-second CUSA/28th NCAA), is alone in third for scoring (10.4) and tied for third on the team in assists (2.1 apg-tied 18th CUSA). He has reached double figures in scoring 16 times (missed two CUSA contests with an injury). Camper Jr. also tops the team in minutes played (31.4-tied 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 4.0 assists per game (fifth 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 seven of the past 10 outings. He is putting up 9.9 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 fourth 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 been a solid addition, tallying 9.6 ppg (fourth on team) to go along with 1.5 steals per game (tied sixth CUSA). He is second on the team for 3-pointers made (41) and third for attempted (125). That results in 1.4 treys made per contest (20th CUSA). Barnes is also good at getting to the line, rating second on UTEP in free throws made (81) and attempted (112) for a readout of 72.3 (14th CUSA). He has been a consistent scorer with 17 double-digit efforts.
 
BYNUM'S A BALLER
Ahamad Bynum has been a key cog for UTEP all year, whether starting (six times) or coming off the bench (22 times). He contributes 10.6 ppg (second on team, tied 23rd on team), doing lots of damage from distance. He has made 68-147 (46.3 percent) of his triples, which would be among the national leaders, but he is shy (2.42-sixth CUSA) of the required 2.5 makes per game. He has sunk multiple 3-pointers in 22 of his 28 appearances, including drilling four in back-to-back outings. He has shot 50 percent or better from distance 16 times. Bynum has compiled 12 double-digit efforts off the bench and 15 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 (8.0 ppg) that output as a senior. Kalu has 10 double-digit scoring efforts on the season, including a career-high 26 points vs. Middle Tennessee on March 1. He posted two double-figure efforts in 91 contests played through his junior campaign. The Maryland native is filling up 62.7 percent (89-142) from the floor while still playing his patented outstanding defense, particularly on ball screens.  He leads the team in rebounding (5.6-14th CUSA) while sharing it for blocked shots (0.7-tied 13th 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 four 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 third in the country in steals per game (10.3) while rating seventh in turnovers forced per game (16.3). UTEP sports the top-two players in Conference USA for steals, with Otis Frazier III (2.30, first CUSA/17th NCAA) and Corey Camper Jr. (2.11, second/28th NCAA) leading the way. David Terrell Jr. (1.6 tied fourth CUSA) and Devon Barnes (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 third in the nation in steals per game (10.3) while placing seventh in turnovers forced per contest (16.3). UTEP topped the nation in both categories last season.
 
PICKING OUR SPOTS FROM DISTANCE
UTEP is ninth in CUSA and 260th in the country by attempting 20.6 triples per game, but the Miners have made the most of the limited chances. UTEP is third in the league and 92nd nationally with a readout of 35.3 percent (220-619) from beyond-the-arc.
 
TRIPLES FAVORING THE MINERS
Even with foes having hit more 3-pointers in four of the past six games, UTEP has drained equal to or more 3-pointers than the opposition in 18 of 30 contests this year. The result has been the Miners connecting on 220-619 (35.3 percent-third CUSA/92nd NCAA) compared to an effort of 208-655 (31.8 percent-fifth CUSA/80th 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).
 
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. (31.2 mpg, 12th CUSA), David Terrell Jr. (30.9 mpg-13th CUSA) and Otis Frazier III (29.9 mpg-15th CUSA) are among the CUSA leaders. Devon Barnes (24.7), Kevin Kalu (22.3 mpg), Ahamad Bynum (20.2 mpg), Trey Horton III (11.2 mpg) and Baylor Hebb (10.8) 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
For the first time in three years, UTEP led all Conference USA programs for average home attendance (5,247). It is the fourth consecutive campaign that the Orange and Blue have topped the league for overall total home attendance (83.954).
 
HOME COOKING
UTEP has posted 10+ wins at the Don Haskins Center in six straight years, including finishing at 11-4 in El Paso this season. A highlight of nonconference play was the Miners winning the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, marking the second straight campaign that they've taken home the title. 
 
PRESEASON PREMONITIONS
UTEP was predicted to finish tied for fifth in the Conference USA preseason poll (currently tied for seventh heading to game vs. at Sam Houston), 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 227-205 in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach, including 69-61 at UTEP. He has enjoyed two winning campaigns in three years and is 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 open play at the 2025 Conference USA championships in the first round of the league's pinnacle event on Tuesday (March 11). With a victory against LA Tech, the Miners will be the No. 7 seed and face No. 10 seed FIU. If UTEP can't get it done at Ruston, the Orange and Blue will have the No. 8 seed to challenge No. 9 seed Sam Houston. Jon Teicher (44th year) and Steve Yellen 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+.