GAME NOTES (PDF)
EL PASO,
Texas - The UTEP women's basketball team (10-12, 2-9 CUSA) continues its three-game road swing Saturday at Delaware inside Bob Carpenter Arena in Newark, Del. Tipoff is set for 10 a.m. MT / 12 p.m. MT as the miners look to build momentum down the final stretch of Conference USA play.
GAME COVERAGE
Saturday at Delaware –
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SCOUTING DELAWARE
Delaware enters Saturday's matchup at 12–12 overall and 6–6 in Conference USA play. The Fightin' Blue Hens are coming off a 65–62 home win over NM State (Feb. 12) and are led by head coach Sarah Jenkins, who is in her fourth season at the helm.
Delaware is averaging 64.8 points and 37.1 rebounds per game while dishing out 10.0 assists per contest. The Fightin' Blue Hens are shooting 40.4 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from three-point range, and 72.3 percent at the free-throw line. Defensively, Delaware allows 64.5 points per game and holds opponents to 40.0 percent shooting from the field. The Fightin' Blue Hens are especially strong on the perimeter, limiting opponents to just 27.2 percent from beyond the arc (34th nationally; first in Conference USA), while forcing 16.9 turnovers per game.
The Fightin' Blue Hens are led by Ande'a Cherisier, who averages 13.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48.0 percent from the field, ranking third in CUSA. Lay Fantroy provides a strong interior presence, posting 10.0 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per contest to anchor Delaware on the glass. Kailah Correa adds balance in the backcourt, averaging 10.9 points per game while leading the team with 2.5 assists per contest, helping facilitate the Blue Hens' offensive flow.
MINER NOTABLES
Three Miners are averaging double figures in scoring:
Portia Adams (10.3),
Ivane Tensaie (10.3), and
Mary Moses Amaniyo (10.0). Amaniyo and
Ndack Mbengue are both posting near double-doubles. Amaniyo leads the team with 8.6 rebounds per game, while Mbengue contributes 7.5 rebounds and 9.0 points per contest. Adams leads the team in assists with 2.6 per game, followed by
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis with 2.2, who also tops the Miners in steals at 1.5 per game. Amaniyo paces the squad in field-goal percentage at 52.6%, Adams leads from three-point range at 38.3% and also tops the team at the free-throw line at 78.6%.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's game is the second all-time meeting between UTEP and Delaware. The Miners claimed an 82–71 victory in the inaugural matchup earlier this season at the Don Haskins Center.
MINERS DROP 58-48 DECISION AT LIBERTY
UTEP dropped a 58–48 decision on the road at Liberty on Thursday inside Liberty Arena, falling to 10–13 overall and 2–10 in Conference USA play. The Miners generated opportunities defensively, forcing 22 turnovers and recording 11 steals, but were unable to overcome Liberty's efficiency inside. UTEP shot 32.1 percent from the field while going 75.0 percent at the free-throw line (9-of-12), continuing to battle despite difficulty converting consistently from the floor.
Liberty built an early advantage in the opening quarter by capitalizing on turnovers and pushing the pace, taking a 24–8 lead after one. UTEP responded with increased defensive pressure in the second period, forcing early turnovers and putting together a strong stretch to cut the deficit to single digits before Liberty carried a 37–23 edge into halftime. The Miners remained competitive after the break, using transition opportunities and offensive rebounding to stay within striking distance, but timely interior finishes allowed Liberty to maintain control. UTEP continued to fight in the final period, creating extra possessions and defensive stops, but was unable to close the gap as Liberty sealed the 58–48 result.
PERIMETER BATTLE AT DELAWARE
UTEP and Delaware enter the matchup with contrasting strengths on the perimeter that could play a key role in the outcome. Delaware ranks first in CUSA in three-point percentage defense, limiting opponents to just 27.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc and emphasizing disciplined closeouts. UTEP, meanwhile, features one of the league's top outside threats in
Ivane Tensaie, who ranks among the top 75 nationally and third in CUSA in made three-pointers this season. Tensaie connected on six three-pointers and scored 20 points in the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season (Jan. 2). The meeting sets up a pivotal battle on the perimeter, as the Miners look to generate quality looks from deep while the Fightin' Blue Hens aim to disrupt rhythm and control tempo through three-point defense.
AMANIYO ANCHORS UTEP INSIDE
Mary Moses Amaniyo delivered another strong interior effort against Liberty (Feb. 12), finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high four steals. The sophomore forward brought consistent energy on both ends of the floor, impacting the game with her activity on the glass, defensive presence, and efficient scoring around the rim.
Amaniyo averages 10.0 points and a team-best 8.6 rebounds per game, while leading UTEP in field-goal percentage at 52.6 percent.
MBENGUE FRONTCOURT IMPACT
Ndack Mbengue continues to anchor UTEP's frontcourt, most recently contributing nine points and four rebounds in the road contest at Liberty (Feb. 12). The senior forward remains a steady presence in the post, providing physicality, rebounding, and interior defense for the Miners.
Mbengue previously recorded her sixth double-double of the season with a 12-point, 11-rebound performance in the win over NM State (Jan. 31). Earlier this season, she opened Conference USA play with a career outing against Delaware (Jan. 2), totaling 26 points and 14 rebounds while adding two blocks. She has now recorded double-digit rebounds in nine games, underscoring her importance to UTEP's frontcourt production and presence in the paint.
HEAVEN ON THE HEIST
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis continues to set the tone on both ends of the floor for the Miners, most recently contributing nine points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the road contest at Liberty (Feb. 12). The senior guard remains a steady presence in the backcourt, impacting the game through defensive pressure and balanced offensive production.
Samayoa-Mathis leads UTEP in total steals (35) and averages a team-best 1.5 steals per game. She has recorded two or more steals in nearly half of UTEP's games this season, with her ability to apply ball pressure and generate transition opportunities remaining a key component of the Miners' identity.
ADAMS ON FIRE
Portia Adams continues to be a steady scoring presence for UTEP in CUSA play, reaching double figures in all but four league games this season. The senior guard added 15 points and four rebounds in the most recent contest against Sam Houston (Feb. 7), 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 (2.6 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 against Sam Houston (Feb. 7), 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 continues to provide energy off the bench, most recently scoring seven points in extended minutes against Sam Houston (Feb. 7). The freshman guard remains aggressive on both ends, contributing as a scorer, facilitator, and defender.
Woldai previously set career highs with seven points, three assists, and two steals against LA Tech (Feb. 5), highlighted by a perfect 5-for-5 effort at the free-throw line, reflecting continued growth and confidence in the backcourt rotation.
TENSAIE FOR THREEE!
Ivane Tensaie continues to be a key perimeter threat for UTEP, totaling nine points with three three-pointers against Liberty (Feb. 12) and LA Tech (Feb. 5) The third-year guard is tied for the team lead in scoring at 10.3 points per game and remains one of Conference USA's top shooters from beyond the arc.
Tensaie has knocked down 58 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 (Jan. 2) and earned CUSA Player of the Week honors following a 26-point performance on eight made triples against Denver, a UTEP single-game record.
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 fifth in CUSA in offensive rebounds per game (3.6) and sits 70th nationally and fourth in the league in rebounds per contest (8.6), while Mbengue is close behind at 7.5 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.
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 75 nationally in rebounds per game (40.1) and top 25 nationally in offensive rebounds per contest (15.3).
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 21.3.
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
The Miners will conclude their road swing with the second meeting of the season in the Battle of I-10 at NM State (Feb. 21).
TICKETS
For tickets, fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit
https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/buy?filterType=97 for more information.
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