GAME BOOK (PDF)

EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP women's basketball team fell 87–48 to LA Tech on Thursday night at the Don Haskins Center. The Miners move to 10–11 overall and 2–8 in Conference USA play.
 
UTEP battled defensively but struggled to find consistent offense as LA Tech converted turnovers into points and found rhythm from the perimeter. The Miners shot 32.7 percent from the field while forcing 10 turnovers on the defensive end.
 
Mary Moses Amaniyo paced UTEP with 11 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Ivane Tensaie added nine points, knocking down three three-pointers, while freshman Aolani Woldai contributed seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
 
"Turnovers lost the game tonight," head coach Keitha Adams said. "They're a good team and they shoot the ball well. We did not execute the game plan like we wanted to."
 
UTEP opened the game with strong defensive energy and set the tempo early. Tensaie connected on a three-pointer midway through the first quarter, and Portia Adams turned a steal into a layup and free throw to give the Miners a late lead. Woldai closed the period with a transition bucket and free throw, sending UTEP into the second quarter up 13–12.
 
The Miners carried momentum into the second quarter, as Woldai jumped a passing lane and assisted on a fast-break three from Tensaie to extend the lead. Amaniyo finished inside midway through the period to keep the game close, but LA Tech seized control late, knocking down four consecutive three-pointers over a four-minute stretch. Amaniyo halted the run at the free-throw line in the final minute as UTEP headed into halftime trailing 36–22.
 
UTEP looked to spark momentum early in the third quarter, earning an extra possession off an offensive rebound on the opening trip. However, back-to-back turnovers turned into points for the visitors. Amaniyo responded with a layup and an and-one before later converting a steal into a fast-break finish. Despite trips to the line from Adams and Woldai and a late basket from Ndack Mbengue, the visitors maintained separation and carried a 64–34 lead into the fourth.
 
The Miners remained aggressive in the final period, generating second-chance opportunities and pushing the pace. Mbengue opened the quarter with a finish inside, while Delma Zita added a pair of baskets in the paint. Osadebamwen Igbinedion Omoruyi provided energy with multiple second-chance scores and a fast-break layup, and Irene Asensio connected from beyond the arc late. UTEP stayed active on the glass, but LA Tech closed out the game with steady execution.
 
LA Tech was led by Jianna Morris with 21 points, while Paris Bradley added 14 points and three assists. Alexia Weaver finished with 12 points and six assists.
 
UP NEXT  
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