The Miners (4-2,0-0) had a bounce-back win against The University of Florida A&M (1-3,0-0) on Nov. 24 at the Don Haskins Center. The offense executed their plays better, shooting 35 percent from the floor, and 34.8 percent from the 3-point line. UTEP’s defense played well, forcing 20 turnovers.
Junior guard Jamal Bieniemy and sophomore forward Jorell Saterfield were named Cerebro Sports Golden Turkey Classic All-Tournament Team Players.
In the start of the first half, the Miners nor FAMU could get anything going on the offense. However, sophomore forward Bonke Maring landed the Miners’ first two points, with Bieniemy scoring a layup soon after to give the Miners a 4-0 lead.
At the 10:56 mark, FAMU got their first five points from free throws to bring the score to 13-5. A bit later, Saterfield made his presence felt by hitting a 3-pointer to put the Miners up 16-5.
The Miners’ defense was a force in this game as UTEP forced 14 turnovers in the first half.
UTEP got a few more baskets to fall in, putting the score at 20-12. FAMU went on a run offensive at the 3:33 mark to cut the lead to 20-18. However, Bieniemy scored to set the Miners ahead at 23-18.
At the 2:25 mark, freshman forward Jamari Sibley nailed two free throws to put the Miners up 25-20. Saterfield towards the end of the half, drained a three pointer for a 30-24 Miners lead.
The Miners went into half time with a 30-25 lead.
In the start of the second half, FAMU got a 3-pointer to fall, to cut down the lead to 30-27. Saterfield answered that score with a three to go up 33-27.
Sophomore guard Keonte Kennedy would get a steal on the offense to put the Miners up 37-30.
The Rattlers went on a run to cut down the score to 37-35.
A the 9:30 mark FAMU hit a 3-pointer to cut down the Miners lead to 38-37. However, Bieniemy got a layup and the foul call to put the Miners up 42-38.
At the 6:56 mark, FAMU got a bucket to drop to cut down the Miners lead to 46-42. Sibley answered that score with a 3-point shot and put the Miners up 49-42.
At the 5:13 mark, Saterfield would get a 3-pointer to fall to extend the Miners’ lead to 54-24. Another 3-point shot from Sibley would put the Miners up 57-43.
At the 2:12 mark, the Miners would go up 60-48 after two made free throws.
FAMU drained a 3-pointer to cut down the Miners lead to 62-52, but the Miners would go onto win 67-53 after FAMU could not generate anymore offense.
The Miners are right back in action at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at the Don Haskins Center against New Mexico State University (NMSU).
Daniel Lopez is a staff reporter and can be reached at [email protected]
