GAME BOOK (PDF)
Bowling Green, Ky. – The UTEP women's basketball team fell 68–59 at Western Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at E. A. Diddle Arena. The Miners move to 9–6 overall and 1–3 in Conference USA play.
UTEP battled throughout the night, showing resilience and keeping the game close at times, but Western Kentucky's scoring runs proved decisive.
Ivane Tensaie led the Miners with 16 points, while
Ndack Mbengue added 9 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
Portia Adams contributed 7 points and 3 assists, and
Delma Zita added 7 points and 2 steals.
"I thought we played harder in today's game," head coach
Keitha Adams said. "Lack of scoring in the first quarter is hurting us. We played them tougher in the second, third, and fourth quarters, but we have to find 40 minutes and get off to better starts."
Western Kentucky set the tone early with a 13–1 run in the first six minutes, though UTEP responded late in the quarter. Tensaie and
Tatiana Collazo each hit a 3-pointer, and Zita added a second-chance layup to narrow the gap. The Miners trailed 19–12 heading into the second quarter.
UTEP came out aggressive in the second, forcing turnovers and generating transition opportunities.
Brooklyn Terry and Adams fueled the offense, keeping the Miners within striking distance. Western Kentucky countered with timely 3-pointers and strong finishes inside, taking a 32–24 lead into halftime.
The Miners opened the third quarter with energy, as
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis and Tensaie scored consecutive baskets to pull within one. Tensaie's 3-pointer tied the game at 41 midway through the period. Despite the Miners' push, Western Kentucky closed the quarter on a 9–0 run to take a 50–41 advantage into the fourth.
UTEP fought to cut into the lead in the final quarter, with Tensaie and Adams hitting key buckets and Zita adding a layup to pull within single digits at 62–53. Western Kentucky maintained control, using fast-break points and timely 3-pointers to secure the 68–59 victory.
The Orange and Blue finished the game shooting 34.5 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from three, and 73.3 percent at the line, while adding 39 rebounds and forcing 12 turnovers.
WKU was led by Salma Khedr with 18 points, while Trinity Rowe added 13 points. Caleigh-Rose West finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
UP NEXT
JOIN THE 915 Campaign
UTEP Athletics has launched the "915 Campaign." Fans can support the UTEP Women's Basketball Excellence Fund, which directly impacts the success of UTEP student-athletes. To join the "915 Campaign" and become a difference maker for UTEP Athletics, please click here.
Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club.
Visit https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/donor-level/MTY= today!
For complete coverage of UTEP women's basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPWBB (Twitter), @utepwbb (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.
