EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season in dominant fashion, defeating Western New Mexico 100-64 Monday night at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center.
Seven Miners scored in double figures, highlighted by
Zainab Olalekan, who led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds in her UTEP debut.
Krista Lukasevica added 14 points and five rebounds in her collegiate debut, while
Tatiana Collazo contributed 13 points. All Miners who saw action scored in the season-opening victory.
"I thought it was a solid showing for our first game," Head Coach
Keitha Adams said. "Anytime you score that many points, you're doing something right. I thought we rebounded well, and our bench gave us some good contributions. What you saw from Zainab tonight is exactly why she's here."
The Orange and Blue held the advantage in field goal percentage (60.0-35.3), while WNMU led in 3-point percentage (41.2-33.3) and free throw percentage (75.0-60.0). UTEP shot 39-of-65 from the field while recording 43 rebounds, 19 assists and 19 steals.
UTEP reached the 100-point mark for the second consecutive season, having last accomplished the feat in a 102-43 victory over the University of the Southwest on Dec. 29, 2025.
Imani Warren,
Mary Moses Amaniyo,
Isabel João and
Aolani Woldai each added 10 points. João and Moses Amaniyo also finished with six rebounds and three assists each, while Woldai added six rebounds in the victory.
UTEP established control early, using a 14-0 run in the opening quarter to build an 18-4 advantage with 3:38 remaining. Olalekan led the early offensive effort with 10 first-quarter points before WNMU responded with a late surge to cut the deficit to 21-17 at the end of the period.
The Mustangs continued their late first-quarter surge into the second, tying the contest at 21 with 8:41 remaining. Warren sparked a 12-0 UTEP response, scoring seven consecutive points to help the Miners regain control. UTEP maintained its advantage and entered halftime leading 45-34.
UTEP extended its lead in the second half, outscoring WNMU 55-30 over the final two quarters. The Miners opened the third quarter with an 8-1 run, while Collazo scored 10 points in the period to help UTEP build a 74-50 lead entering the fourth. The Miners eventually built a game-high 36-point advantage.
A second-chance basket from freshman
Apostolia Zormpala with 42 seconds remaining pushed UTEP to the century mark, capping the season-opening victory.
Tess Taylor and Jordan Sapien led Western New Mexico with 20 points apiece.
UP NEXT
The Miners continue their season-opening homestand Saturday (Nov. 7), welcoming Incarnate Word to GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MT. The contest will be streamed on MW+ (subscription required).
TICKETS
For tickets, fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit
https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/buy?filterType=97 for more information.
