GAME NOTES (PDF)
EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women's basketball team (9–8, 1–5 CUSA) closes its two-game Conference USA road trip Saturday with a matchup at Jax State inside Pete Mathews Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. MT/12 p.m. CT as the Miners look to build momentum in league play.
GAME COVERAGE
Saturday at Jax State –
Live Stats or
Watch Here
SCOUTING JAX STATE
Jax State enters Saturday's matchup at 10–8 overall and 4–2 in Conference USA, riding a two-game winning streak. The Gamecocks are coming off a 57–46 home win over NM State (Jan. 22) and are led by head coach Rick Pietri, who is in his 13th season at the helm.
Jax State is averaging 65.0 points, 40.2 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per game, ranking inside the top 75 nationally and second in Conference USA in rebounding. The Gamecocks are shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 31.0 percent from three-point range, while knocking down 8.2 three-pointers per game (top 50 nationally, first in CUSA) and converting 69.1 percent at the free-throw line. Defensively, Jax State is limiting opponents to 56.9 points per game (35th nationally, second in CUSA), holding teams to 39.1 percent shooting from the field and 27.8 percent from beyond the arc, while forcing 14.5 turnovers per game and averaging 6.2 steals and 2.8 blocks per contest.
Jax State is led by Mya Barnes, who averages a team-high 11.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, ranking inside the top five in CUSA in rebounding, while shooting 38.5 percent from three-point range (second in CUSA). Adriana Jones provides a secondary scoring option at 10.6 points per contest, while Makala Hobdy adds 8.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Kyera Thornsbury directs the Gamecocks' offense, leading the team with 2.9 assists per game.
MINER NOTABLES
Two Miners are averaging double figures in scoring:
Ivane Tensaie (10.7) and
Portia Adams (10.1).
Ndack Mbengue and
Mary Moses Amaniyo are each averaging near double-doubles, with Amaniyo leading the team at 8.8 rebounds per game while also contributing 9.6 points, and Mbengue close behind with 8.1 rebounds per game, along with 9.9 points.
Portia Adams leads the team in assists with 2.7 per game, while
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis adds 2.3 per game and leads the Miners in steals at 1.7 per game. Amaniyo tops the team in field-goal percentage at 51.1%, Adams leads from three-point range at 37.8%, and
Delma Zita is the team's best free-throw shooter at 85.7%.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's matchup marks the fifth all-time meeting between UTEP and Jax State, with the Miners holding a 2–2 record in the series. The teams split last season's matchups, with each program winning on its home court.
MINERS FALL 83-52 AT KENNESAW STATE
UTEP fell 83–52 at Kennesaw State (Jan. 22) on Thursday night at VyStar Arena, moving the Miners to 9–9 overall and 1–6 in Conference USA play. UTEP showed consistent defensive pressure throughout the contest, forcing 13 turnovers and recording nine steals, but Kennesaw State's control of the glass and efficiency around the rim created separation as the game progressed.
The game opened with a physical, defensive tone as both teams worked to establish rhythm. UTEP generated early second-chance opportunities and attacked the paint, but turnovers late in the first quarter led to transition baskets for Kennesaw State, who took a 24–15 lead. The Miners increased the tempo in the second quarter and continued to press offensively, staying within reach, but the Owls carried a 36–29 advantage into halftime. UTEP started the third quarter with momentum, cutting the deficit to three, yet Kennesaw State responded with a late 8–0 run to extend its lead to 58–41 entering the fourth. The Orange and Blue continued to compete, creating extra possessions and transition opportunities, but the Owls executed down the stretch to secure the 83–52 CUSA victory.
BOARDS BATTLE AHEAD
UTEP will look to control the glass against Jax State, as both teams rank among the top two in Conference USA in rebounds per game. The Miners lead the league with 41.6 rebounds per contest, including 16.3 on the offensive glass, while the Gamecocks are second in the league at 40.2 per game and lead CUSA in defensive rebounds at 26.8. By boxing out, securing second-chance opportunities, and limiting extra possessions, UTEP aims to assert its rebounding dominance and turn control of the boards into transition opportunities.
ADAMS SETS THE PACE
Portia Adams led UTEP with 14 points and four rebounds at Kennesaw State (Jan. 22), following her season-high 21-point, five-rebound, career-high five-steal performance against FIU (Jan. 17). The senior guard continues to anchor the Miners' backcourt with her steady offensive presence, consistently attacking the defense and providing leadership on both ends of the floor.
Adams, who leads the team in assists (2.7 per game), has orchestrated the offense with precision during UTEP's recent stretch, including tying her career-high of eight assists in the conference-opening win over Delaware (Jan. 2) and seven assists against USW (Dec. 29). She also continues to lead the Miners in three-point shooting at 37.8 percent, with her combination of scoring efficiency, playmaking, and defensive impact serving as a key driver of UTEP's success.
AMANIYO ANCHORS UTEP INSIDE
Mary Moses Amaniyo delivered another strong interior performance at Kennesaw State (Jan. 22), leading the Miners with 13 points and nine rebounds. The sophomore forward was a steady presence on both ends of the floor, providing UTEP with physicality and consistent effort in the paint throughout the night.
Amaniyo is averaging nearly a double-double with 9.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest while shooting a team-best 51.1 percent from the field. She remains one of UTEP's most reliable interior performers, combining efficiency, toughness, and rebounding to anchor the Miners inside.
ZITA THE LINE LEADER
Delma Zita delivered a season-high eight points at Kennesaw State, converting tough finishes at the rim and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. The graduate guard continues to be UTEP's most reliable free-throw shooter, hitting 85.7 percent this season and missing just three attempts through 18 games (18–21). Zita's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the paint and at the line provides the Miners with consistent offensive production and poise under pressure.
LEGIONS LOCKED IN
Sirviva Legions recorded her first double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds against FIU (Jan. 17), marking her seventh game with 10 or more points and five or more rebounds and her 12th game with at least five boards. The senior guard has continued to be a consistent all-around presence, providing physical rebounding and contributing on both ends of the floor throughout the season.
Legions is averaging just shy of double figures with 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest, continuing to provide a consistent all-around presence on both ends of the floor.
OSADE DOMINATES THE PAINT
Sophomore forward
Osadebamwen Igbinedion Omoruyi turned in a career night against FIU, recording nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals while playing a career-high 26 minutes. The increased playing time allowed Omoruyi to showcase her versatility and defensive presence in the paint, anchoring the Miners' frontcourt and contributing on both ends of the floor. Her performance highlighted her continued growth and impact as a key young piece for UTEP.
CAREER NIGHT FOR HEAVEN
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis made her third start of the season against Missouri State (Jan. 15) delivering a career night with 17 points, including a career-best five three-pointers, along with five rebounds and two steals.
The senior guard continues to make her mark with activity and instincts, leading the Miners with 1.7 steals per game. She has recorded two or more steals in ten games this season, including a career-high six steals earlier this year against TAMU-CC (Dec. 3).
MBENGUE SPARKS MINERS' DEFENSE
Ndack Mbengue made a significant impact against Missouri State (Jan. 15), contributing 15 points along with a career-high five steals, helping the Miners stay competitive throughout the contest. The senior forward has been a consistent presence on the boards and in the post, providing scoring, rebounding, and defensive intensity for the team.
Mbengue began CUSA play against Delaware (Jan. 2) with a career night, posting 26 points and 14 rebounds to secure her fifth double-double of the season while adding two blocks. She followed that performance with a strong effort against Liberty (Jan. 4), pulling down a team-high 11 rebounds, and has now recorded double-digit rebounds in nine games this season, underscoring her importance to UTEP's frontcourt production.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE DUO
Forwards
Ndack Mbengue and
Mary Moses Amaniyo continue to anchor UTEP's frontcourt as one of the most productive interior duos in the nation. Amaniyo has recorded seven double-doubles this season (32nd nationally), while Mbengue follows with five double-doubles. Together, they consistently provide physicality, rebounding, and second-chance opportunities that drive the Miners' interior identity.
Amaniyo ranks 17th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (3.9) and sits 53rd in rebounds per game (8.8), while Mbengue is close behind at 94th nationally in rebounds per game (8.1). The pair's sustained production on the glass continues to give UTEP a nightly advantage and establishes the Miners as one of the nation's strongest rebounding teams.
QUARTER SCORING MILESTONES
UTEP has seen three individual 14-point quarters this season, each delivered by a different Miner and tying for the third-most points scored by a player in a single quarter in program history.
HISTORIC REBOUNDING EFFORT
UTEP delivered a historic rebounding performance in the win over University of the Southwest, pulling down a program-record 74 total rebounds and a program-record 39 offensive boards.
The outing marked the second time this season UTEP has rewritten the record book on the offensive glass, after previously setting the program mark with 33 offensive rebounds against Western New Mexico (Nov. 11). The Miners rank among the nation's elite on the boards, sitting at 37th nationally in rebounds per game (41.7) and top 15 nationally in offensive rebounds per game (16.3), continuing to establish rebounding as a defining strength of this team.
FAST STARTS, HISTORIC RESULTS
UTEP matched a program record with 56 first-half points against USW (Dec 29), tying the most points scored in a half in program history.
Mary Moses Amaniyo fueled the surge with 14 points in the second quarter. The Miners' early offensive rhythm, pace, and ball movement set the tone, as UTEP capitalized on second-chance opportunities and transition looks to build a commanding 56-22 halftime advantage.
The performance continued a trend of strong opening surges this season. UTEP also posted 30 points in the first quarter against Nicholls (Nov. 8), tying for the 10th-most points in a quarter in program history, and erupted for 29 points in the third quarter at Kansas City (Nov. 25). The Miners' ability to generate early momentum and sustain offensive pressure has been a consistent driver of their success.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
UTEP's depth continues to be one of its strongest assets, with the Miners ranking in the nation's top 100 and first in Conference USA in bench points per game at 22.5.
The Miners second unit has provided consistent offensive balance and versatility, making the Miners' bench one of the most productive in the conference.
QUARTER FRENZY
Ivane Tensaie has joined one of the rarest scoring lists in program history. With her previous 14-point third quarter at Kansas City (Nov. 25) and 13-point fourth quarter vs. FIU last season (Jan. 18, 2025), she is now one of only four players in UTEP history to record multiple quarters with 13+ points.
The exclusive list includes:
- Sparkle Taylor - Four times ('16-17)
- Najala Howell - Three times ('17-18)
- Katarina Zec - Two times ('17-18) ('19-20)
AMANIYO JOINS ELITE COMPANY
Mary Moses Amaniyo continued to establish herself as one of the nation's elite rebounders, posting two of the top performances in program history within the first month of the season. She opened the year with a UTEP-record 22 rebounds against PVAMU (Nov. 3) and later grabbed 18 boards in the win over UT Martin (Nov. 22).
Amaniyo is the first Miner since Kayla Thornton in 2013-14 to record multiple games with 18 or more rebounds in the same season. Her presence on the glass continues to anchor UTEP's interior play and generate critical extra-possession opportunities.
GOING BACK-TO-BACK
UTEP earned Conference USA Player of the Week honors in consecutive weeks earlier this season, marking the program's first back-to-back weekly awards since the 2013–14 campaign.
Mary Moses Amaniyo claimed the honor on Nov. 24, followed by
Ivane Tensaie on Dec. 1 after her record-setting performance from beyond the arc. The Miners' last pair of consecutive honorees prior to this season came in 2014, when Kayla Thornton earned the award on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
SENIOR 5
For the first time since UTEP began tracking lineup records in 1983, the Miners started their first 13 games with an all-senior starting lineup. The veteran group provided experience, leadership, and stability, anchoring UTEP's strong start to the season.
UP NEXT
UTEP opens a three-game homestand at the Don Haskins Center, starting with the Battle of I-10 against New Mexico State (Jan. 31) before hosting LA Tech (Feb. 5) and Sam Houston (Feb. 7).
TICKETS
For tickets, fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit
https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/buy?filterType=97 for more information.
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%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.
