GAME NOTES (PDF)
EL PASO,
Texas - The UTEP women's basketball team (13–15, 5–12 CUSA) closes out the regular season on the road at LA Tech on Saturday inside the Thomas Assembly Center. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT in Ruston, Louisiana, as the Miners look to end the regular season on a strong note while keeping their postseason hopes alive.
GAME COVERAGE
Saturday at LA Tech –
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SCOUTING LA TECH
LA Tech enters Saturday's matchup at 23–5 overall and 16–1 in Conference USA play. The Lady Techsters have already secured the outright CUSA regular-season title and carry a 16-game winning streak into the contest. LA Tech most recently earned an 88–47 home victory over NM State (Mar. 5). The Lady Techsters are led by head coach Brooke Stoehr, who is in her 10th season at the helm.
LA Tech averages 74.3 points, 36.8 rebounds, and 16.6 assists per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from three-point range, and 73.7 percent at the free-throw line. Defensively, the Lady Techsters allow 58.8 points per game while holding opponents to 39.2 percent shooting overall and 28.1 percent from beyond the arc. LA Tech also creates consistent pressure on the defensive end, forcing 20.6 turnovers per game while averaging 9.9 steals per contest.
Paris Bradley, the reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year, leads the Lady Techsters with 14.0 points per game while adding 5.1 rebounds per contest. Jianne Morris contributes 11.9 points per game, while Jordan Marshall provides a strong interior presence with 10.9 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds per outing. Joy Madison-Key directs the offense and leads LA tech with 3.5 assists per game.
MINER NOTABLES
Two Miners are averaging double figures in scoring, led by
Portia Adams (11.2 ppg) and
Ivane Tensaie (10.4 ppg).
Mary Moses Amaniyo and
Ndack Mbengue are both nearing double-doubles, as Amaniyo leads the team with 8.3 rebounds per game to go along with 8.9 points per contest, while Mbengue adds 9.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Adams and
Delma Zita share the team lead in assists, averaging 2.5 per game, and
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis leads the team in steals at 1.5 per outing. Amaniyo tops the squad in field-goal percentage at 52.1 percent, while Adams leads from three-point range (40.0 percent) and at the free-throw line (77.3 percent).
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's matchup marks the 33rd meeting all-time between the two programs. The Miners are 12–20 in the series after an 87–48 setback to LA Tech earlier this season in El Paso.
UTEP FALLS AT SAM HOUSTON, 71-59
The UTEP women's basketball team fell 71–59 at Sam Houston on Thursday night, moving to 13–15 overall and 5–12 in Conference USA play. UTEP shot 40.7 percent from the field (22-of-53), including 6-of-15 from three-point range (40.0 percent), and went 9-of-12 at the free-throw line (75.0 percent). The Miners forced 18 turnovers and pulled down 33 rebounds, but Sam Houston converted extra opportunities into a 21–7 advantage in points off turnovers while also holding edges in points in the paint (34–20) and second-chance points (18–8).
The Miners battled throughout a tightly contested opening quarter before Sam Houston used second-chance opportunities late in the frame to take an 18–15 lead into the second. The Bearkats extended the margin early in the second quarter and carried a 34–26 advantage into halftime. UTEP responded out of the break with an 8–0 run late in the third quarter to trim the deficit to three, but Sam Houston answered with a basket at the buzzer to take a 48–43 lead into the fourth. The Miners pulled within one early in the final period, but the Bearkats responded with timely finishes in the paint and capitalized on turnovers down the stretch to secure the 71–59 result.
POSTSEASON IMPLICATIONS
Saturday's regular-season finale at LA Tech carries major Conference USA implications. The Miners currently hold the final qualifying spot for the conference tournament in 10th place, and a win would secure a berth in the Conference USA Tournament.
ADAMS ON FIRE
Portia Adams continues to provide a steady scoring presence for UTEP in Conference USA play, reaching double figures in 13 of 16 league games. The senior guard recorded 14 points in the Miners' most recent matchup at Sam Houston and earlier delivered a season-high 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to help secure UTEP's 66–64 victory over Jax State (Feb. 26).
In conference play, Adams leads the Miners with 12.6 points per game while also ranking second on the team in assists (2.3 apg) and leading the squad in three-point percentage (39.5). She adds 3.0 rebounds per contest, continuing to anchor UTEP's backcourt with her scoring, playmaking, and perimeter shooting as the Miners close the regular season.
TENSAIE FOR THREEE!
Ivane Tensaie continues to be a key perimeter threat for UTEP, most recently totaling 14 points in the Miners' matchup at Sam Houston while connecting on multiple three-pointers. The junior guard ranks second in scoring for the Miners at 10.4 points per game and remains one of Conference USA's most consistent threats from beyond the arc.
Tensaie has knocked down 68 three-pointers this season, ranking among the top 85 nationally and third in Conference USA, and recently moved into third place all-time in program history in three-pointers made (186). Her ability to stretch the floor and deliver from long range continues to be a major factor in UTEP's offensive attack as the Miners close the regular season.
HEAVEN ON THE HEIST
Heaven Samayoa-Mathis continues to set the tone on both ends of the floor for the Miners, most recently recording 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists in UTEP's matchup at Sam Houston while shooting 3-of-4 from three-point range. The senior guard remains a steady presence in the backcourt, impacting the game through defensive pressure and timely offensive production.
Samayoa-Mathis leads UTEP in total steals (42) 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, create transition opportunities, and deliver in key moments continuing to define the Miners' identity down the stretch.
MBENGUE'S FRONTCOURT IMPACT
Ndack Mbengue continues to anchor UTEP's frontcourt, most recently recording 10 rebounds to go with six points in the Miners' matchup at Sam Houston, narrowly missing a double-double. The senior forward previously posted 11 points and 11 rebounds against Kennesaw State (Feb. 28) to secure her ninth double-double of the season and third straight, while also delivering 10 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in UTEP's 66–64 victory over Jax State (Feb. 26). Her physical presence, rebounding ability, and rim protection continue to provide stability inside for the Miners.
Mbengue has now secured 10+ rebounds in 14 games this season, including eight in Conference USA play.
AMANIYO ANCHORS UTEP INSIDE
Mary Moses Amaniyo continues to provide a strong interior presence for the Miners, most recently recording 12 points, nine rebounds, and a block against Kennesaw State (Feb. 28), narrowly missing a double-double. The sophomore forward also delivered a standout effort in UTEP's 66–64 victory over Jax State, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high four steals.
Amaniyo is averaging 9.0 points and a team-best 8.4 rebounds per game while leading UTEP in field-goal percentage at 52.1 percent, bringing consistent energy on the glass and efficiency around the rim.
DELMA DELIVERS
Delma Zita continues to expand her impact for UTEP, most notably knocking down a clutch three-pointer with just under a minute remaining to tie the game in the Miners' 66–64 victory over Jax State (Feb. 26). The senior guard also distributed four assists in UTEP's most recent matchup at Sam Houston, continuing to provide steady playmaking in the backcourt.
Zita's role has grown steadily down the stretch, logging 30 or more minutes in each of the last seven games while averaging 8.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest during that span. Her increased presence on the floor has provided UTEP with added versatility, toughness, and playmaking as the Miners close the regular season.
WOLDAI'S GROWTH PAYING DIVIDENDS
Aolani Woldai continues to make a strong impact off the bench, most recently contributing eight points and three rebounds in UTEP's 66–64 victory over Jax State (Feb. 26). The freshman guard has seen her role expand in recent weeks, averaging 16.5 minutes per game over the last seven contests, while providing consistent energy and production on both ends of the floor. She recently scored a career-high 17 points in just 18 minutes to lead UTEP to a 79–72 road win at Delaware (Feb. 14).
DOUBLE-DOUBLE DUO
Forwards
Ndack Mbengue and
Mary Moses Amaniyo continue to anchor UTEP's frontcourt as one of the nation's most productive interior duos. Both have recorded seven double-doubles this season, consistently providing physicality, rebounding, and second-chance opportunities that define the Miners' interior presence.
Amaniyo ranks fifth in Conference USA in offensive rebounds per game (3.3) and sits 90th nationally and fifth in the league in total rebounds (8.3 per game), while
Ndack Mbengue follows closely at 8.1 rebounds per contest and 3.3 offensive boards per game. The duo's consistent production on the glass continues to give UTEP a nightly edge and reinforces the Miners' standing as one of the nation's top rebounding teams.
NATIONALLY RANKED ON THE GLASS
The Miners continue to establish rebounding as a defining strength, ranking among the nation's leaders in the top 80 nationally in rebounds per game (39.1) and 30th nationally in offensive rebounds per contest (14.7).
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 (Nov. 11).
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.
EXPLOSIVE FRAMES
UTEP's ability to produce explosive scoring stretches has continued to define its season, most recently erupting for 28 points in the fourth quarter of its 66–64 victory over Jax State. The late surge added to a growing pattern of timely offensive runs, as the Miners also poured in 26 points in the third quarter of their road win at NM State (Feb. 21). UTEP previously closed its victory at Delaware (Feb. 14) with 26 fourth-quarter points, scored 30 in the opening quarter against Nicholls (Nov. 8) tying for the 10th-most points in a quarter in program history and tallied 29 during the third quarter at Kansas City (Nov. 25).
That offensive firepower was on full display earlier this season when UTEP matched a program record with 56 first-half points against USW (Dec. 29), tying the most points scored in a half in school history. The Miners capitalized on transition opportunities and second-chance points to build a commanding 56–22 halftime advantage, showcasing the rhythm and pace that have fueled their highest-scoring stretches.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
UTEP's depth continues to be one of its strongest assets, with the Miners ranking second in Conference USA in bench points per game at 19.8.
The Miners second unit has provided consistent offensive balance and versatility, making the Miners' bench currently 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)
MILESTONE WATCH
- The win over Jax State (Feb. 26) marked Head Coach Keitha Adams' 400th career Division I victory.
- Ivane Tensaie has moved into third all-time in program history with 188 career made threes.
- Portia Adams recently surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone vs Sam Houston (Feb 7), marking a significant achievement in her collegiate career.
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 will await the final Conference USA standings to determine its postseason fate following the conclusion of the regular season.
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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