GAME BOOK (PDF) 

EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women's basketball team opened Conference USA play with an 82–71 victory over league newcomer Delaware on Friday night at the Don Haskins Center. The Miners improved to 9–3 overall, 8–1 at home and 1–0 in CUSA after erasing an early 10-point deficit and taking control with a decisive second-quarter surge.
 
Ndack Mbengue powered the Orange and Blue with a career-high 26 points and career-high 14 rebounds to secure her fifth double-double of the season, adding two blocks in a dominant all-around effort. Ivane Tensaie poured in 20 points while knocking down six three-pointers, and Sirviva Legions added 14 points, six rebounds and three steals. Portia Adams finished with 10 points and eight assists (tied a career high) as UTEP forced 21 turnovers and turned defense into timely offense throughout the night.
 
"It was a great win, and Delaware has a nice team," head coach Keitha Adams said. "I love seeing balanced scoring from us. In the second quarter, we had about a five-minute window where we forced turnovers and built momentum, and we remained aggressive defensively the rest of the way."
 
Delaware struck first and built momentum early, using an 8–0 run midway through the opening period to create separation, but UTEP responded with pressure and pace to stay within reach. The Fightin' Blue Hens carried a narrow 23–17 edge after the first quarter.
 
The Miners flipped the game in the second quarter with their best stretch of the night, ripping off a 15–2 run to seize momentum. A three from Ivane Tensaie gave UTEP a 34–31 edge with 4:47 left in the half, and Mbengue continued to dominate inside, finishing the half with 19 points and six rebounds, including 14 points in the second frame. UTEP went into the locker room ahead 43-42.
 
The Orange and Blue carried that energy into the third, continuing to score efficiently while limiting Delaware's perimeter looks. A strong push out of halftime helped the Miners build their largest advantage at 15, highlighted by a three-pointer from Adams followed by a strong finish inside from Legions with 3:24 remaining in the period, as UTEP took a 68–58 lead into the final quarter.
 
Delaware made one final push in the fourth, cutting the margin to as few as eight, but UTEP stayed composed down the stretch. Mbengue delivered the decisive basket with an and-one layup at the 2:29 mark, converting the free throw to push the lead back to 13 and seal the outcome as the Miners closed out an 82–71 conference-opening victory.
 
UTEP shot 50.0 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from three-point range, and 58.8 percent at the free-throw line, while totaling 17 assists as part of a balanced offensive effort.
 
Delaware was led by Safi Kolliegbo, who scored a team-high 22 points. Kailah Correa added 17 points, while Ande'a Cherisier grabbed 10 rebounds to go along with eight points.
 
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/quick-donate/NTExNA%3D%3D today!
 
For complete coverage of UTEP women's basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPWBB (Twitter), @utepwbb (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.