GAME NOTES (PDF)

EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP women's basketball team (10-12, 2-9 CUSA) opens a three-game road swing Thursday at Liberty (11-11, 5-6 CUSA) inside Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, Va. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. MT/ 5 p.m. ET as the Miners look to make a run down the final stretch of Conference USA play.
 
GAME COVERAGE
Thursday at Liberty – Live Stats or Watch Here
 
SCOUTING LIBERTY
Liberty enters Thursday's matchup at 11–11 overall and 5–6 in Conference USA play. The Lady Flames are coming off a 64–58 road loss at Kennesaw State (Feb. 7) and are led by head coach Alexis Sherard, who is in his first season at the helm.
 
Liberty is averaging 64.8 points and 38.6 rebounds per game, ranking second in Conference USA in rebounding while posting a +7.3 rebound margin (34th nationally). The Lady Flames are also dishing out 13.5 assists per contest and shooting 42.8 percent from the field, good for third in CUSA. From beyond the arc, Liberty ranks among the nation's best, knocking down 36.0 percent from three-point range (top 25 nationally; first in CUSA), while converting 68.3 percent at the free-throw line. Defensively, Liberty allows 63.1 points per game and holds opponents to 39.0 percent shooting from the field (third in CUSA in field-goal percentage defense) and 31.2 percent from three-point range. The Lady Flames also force 13.7 turnovers per game.
 
Liberty is led by Avery Mills, who averages 15.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4 percent from three-point range (28th nationally; second in Conference USA). Mills also knocks down 3.2 three-pointers per game, ranking third nationally, making her one of the premier perimeter threats in the country. Emmy Stout provides a strong presence in the paint, averaging 14.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest while shooting 52.1 percent from the field (50th nationally; first in CUSA). Freshman Ify Nwaobi, the reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Week, adds 8.5 points and a conference-leading 9.9 rebounds per game, giving the Lady Flames a dominant presence on the glass. Claudia Acin leads the team in assists at 4.4 per game, ranking third in CUSA and helping facilitate Liberty's balanced offensive attack.
 
MINER NOTABLES
Two Miners are averaging double figures in scoring: Portia Adams (10.7), Ivane Tensaie (10.3). Mary Moses Amaniyo and Ndack Mbengue are both posting near double-doubles. Amaniyo provides a spark off the bench, leading the team with 8.7 rebounds per game along with 9. points per game, while Mbengue contributes 7.9 rebounds and 9.5 points per contest. Adams leads the team in assists with 2.7 per game. Heaven Samayoa-Mathis tops the Miners in steals at 1.5 per game. Amaniyo paces the squad in field-goal percentage at 52.1%, Adams leads from three-point range at 38.3% and also tops the team at the free-throw line at 78.6%.
 
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday's matchup marks the sixth all-time meeting between UTEP and Liberty, with the Miners seeking their first win in the series. UTEP dropped the first meeting this season, falling 86–66 at the Don Haskins Center.
 
UTEP FALLS TO SAM HOUSTON, 70-58
UTEP suffered a 70–58 loss to Sam Houston on Saturday (Feb. 7) at the Don Haskins Center, dropping to 10–12 overall and 2–9 in Conference USA play. The Miners stayed within striking distance throughout the contest but were unable to overcome timely runs and points off turnovers by the visitors. UTEP shot 39.0 percent from the field and 75.0 percent at the free-throw line (9-of-12), while holding a 38–33 advantage on the glass and a 14–5 edge in second-chance points.
 
The game opened with strong defensive intensity and pace from UTEP, which trailed just 19–17 after the first quarter. The Miners continued to generate extra possessions in the second period, briefly regaining the lead before Sam Houston carried a narrow 31–30 edge into halftime. UTEP remained competitive through the third quarter, using transition opportunities and offensive rebounding to stay close, but a late surge allowed the visitors to build a 56–45 advantage entering the final frame. Sam Houston opened the fourth with a decisive run to create separation, and despite continued effort down the stretch, the Miners were unable to close the gap as the visitors sealed the 70–58 decision.
 
BATTLE ON THE BOARDS
UTEP and Liberty enter the matchup with contrasting strengths on the glass that could play a key role in the outcome. The Miners rank second in Conference USA with 15.6 offensive rebounds per game, consistently creating extra possessions through activity and physicality inside. Liberty, meanwhile, sits third in the league in defensive rebounds per contest (26.0), limiting second-chance opportunities and emphasizing control of the defensive boards. The meeting sets up a pivotal battle in the paint, as UTEP looks to extend possessions while Liberty aims to secure stops and dictate tempo through defensive rebounding.
 
ADAMS ON FIRE
Portia Adams continues to be a steady scoring presence for UTEP in CUSA play, reaching double figures in all but three league games this season. The senior guard added 15 points and four rebounds in the most recent contest against Sam Houston, once again providing consistent offensive production in the backcourt.
 
A reliable two-way contributor, Adams remains a key piece in UTEP's offensive rhythm while setting the tone defensively. She leads the Miners in assists (2.7 per game) and three-point percentage (38.3%), combining efficient perimeter shooting with playmaking ability. Her experience and versatility continue to anchor UTEP's guard play throughout conference action.
 
ZITA'S SEASON BEST
Delma Zita delivered a strong all-around performance in the most recent outing, recording a season-high 12 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. The graduate guard, now in her third year with the program, provided a spark with her pace in transition and ability to create opportunities on both ends of the floor.
 
Zita's veteran presence continues to show in key moments, as she balances scoring, playmaking, and defensive pressure. Her ability to push tempo and impact the game across multiple areas adds versatility to UTEP's backcourt rotation heading into the next conference matchup.
 
FRESHMAN WOLDAI IMPRESSES
Aolani Woldai continued her steady production off the bench in the most recent matchup against Sam Houston, contributing seven points while providing energy and pace in extended minutes. The freshman guard remained aggressive on both ends of the floor, attacking off the dribble, facilitating offense, and applying pressure defensively.
 
Her performance builds on a strong outing against LA Tech (Feb. 5), where she set career highs with seven points, three assists, and two steals in 23 minutes, highlighted by a perfect 5-for-5 effort at the free-throw line. Woldai's recent stretch reflects continued growth and confidence as she adds valuable versatility and composure to UTEP's backcourt rotation.
 
AMANIYO ANCHORS UTEP INSIDE
Mary Moses Amaniyo delivered another strong interior effort against LA Tech (Feb. 5), finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds while narrowly missing a double-double. The sophomore forward brought consistent energy in the paint, impacting the game with her rebounding, defensive activity, and efficient scoring around the rim.
 
Amaniyo averages 9.8 points and a team-best 8.6 rebounds per game, while leading UTEP in field-goal percentage at 52.1 percent. Her efficiency and physical presence continue to anchor the Miners' frontcourt.
 
TENSAIE FOR THREEE!
Ivane Tensaie continues to be a key perimeter threat for UTEP, totaling nine points with three three-pointers against LA Tech (Feb. 5) The third-year guard is tied for the team lead in scoring at 10.5 points per game and remains one of Conference USA's top shooters from beyond the arc.
 
Tensaie has knocked down 55 three-pointers this season, ranking top 100 nationally and third in CUSA, while averaging 2.5 made threes per game. She opened league play with 20 points and six threes against Delaware and previously earned CUSA Player of the Week honors following a 26-point performance on eight made triples against Denver, a UTEP single-game record.
 
MBENGUE RECORDS SIXTH DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Ndack Mbengue continues to anchor UTEP's frontcourt, most recently recording 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win over NM State (Jan 31) to secure her sixth double-double of the season. The senior forward has been a consistent presence on the glass and in the post, providing reliable scoring, rebounding, and defensive intensity for the Miners.
 
Earlier this season, Mbengue opened Conference USA play with a career performance against Delaware (Jan. 2), posting 26 points and 14 rebounds while adding two blocks. She followed that outing with a team-high 11 rebounds against Liberty (Jan. 4) and has now recorded double-digit rebounds in nine games, underscoring her importance to UTEP's frontcourt production and physical presence in the paint.
 
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, while Mbengue follows with six double-doubles. Together, they consistently provide physicality, rebounding, and second-chance opportunities that drive the Miners' interior identity.
 
Amaniyo ranks 26th nationally and third in CUSA in offensive rebounds per game (3.6) and sits 67th nationally and fifth in the league in rebounds per contest (8.6), while Mbengue is close behind at 7.7 rebounds per game. 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.

• Ivane Tensaie, 3rd quarter at Kansas City (Nov. 25)
• Mary Moses Amaniyo, 2nd quarter vs USW (Dec. 29)
• Ndack Mbengue, 2nd quarter vs Delaware (Jan. 2)

 
HISTORIC REBOUNDING EFFORT
UTEP delivered a historic performance on the glass in its win over the University of the Southwest, pulling down a program-record 74 total rebounds, including a program-best 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 on Nov. 11. The Miners continue to establish rebounding as a defining strength, ranking among the nation's leaders in the top 50 nationally in rebounds per game (40.7) and top 25 nationally in offensive rebounds per contest (15.6).
 
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 22.0.
 
The Miners second unit has provided consistent offensive balance and versatility, making the Miners' bench currently 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)

 
MILESTONE WATCH

• Portia Adams recently surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone vs Sam Houston (Feb 7), marking a significant achievement in her collegiate career.
• Ivane Tensaie has moved into fourth all-time on UTEP's career three-pointers list, passing former Miner and current assistant coach Jareica Hughes.

 
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  

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