UTEP’s men’s basketball (2-1, 0-0 Conference USA) wrapped up its third game of the season with a much-needed winning comeback. After losing to Utah Valley University, (2-1, 0-0 Western Athletic Conference) the Miners dribbled back to the momentum they had with their opener, beating the University of Texas Permian Basin Falcons (1-1, 0-0 Lone Star Conference) 78-58. With a 20-4 lead from UTEP in the beginning, both teams hustled to the final score. Head Coach Joe Golding expressed his enthusiasm for the first half but noted the improvement still needed by the team.
“In the first half that was the best we’ve looked defensively all year, then the second half was a completely flipped script,” said Golding. “Our effort wasn’t as good, we weren’t flying around, it’s a week until we play again, and we’ve got a lot of things that we’ve got to continue to work on.”
Senior forward Otis Frazier III spoke about the team win and his career best of seven assists.
“It’s a good team win, we still have to get better second half wise, we got to prepare for the Division 1 teams we’re about to play,” said Frazier. “I had to feed the big man, he’s always complaining about hoops, so had to feed him a little.”
Frazier was also able to tally 17 points and four steals. Senior forward Kevin Kalu racked up 12 points and it was the third time he’s reached double figures. Senior guard Corey Camper Jr. scored 12 points with a career best and five steals. Sophomore guard Trey Horton III scored 10 points with a career six rebounds, and junior guard Devon Barnes rounded out the pack with 12 points.
The contest began with Barnes burying a triple and then being fouled for a four-point play. After the team got into the groove of the game, Kalu would make a layup, getting the score to 8-0 and a timeout from UTPB. UTPB came back quickly, cutting UTEP’s lead in half, 8-4. However, this only fueled the Miners as UTEP swung hard in retaliation with 12 points in a row. Senior Derick Hamilton pushing hard with six points, Barnes pulling a 3-pointer, and a quick run by Camper Jr., kept the Miners’ momentum going at an all-time high.
UTEP’s defense held strong, with the Falcons struggling to keep up as the half came to an end. UTPB quickly regrouped as the team would take advantage of turnovers, leading them to tally up their score. With a few successful three-throws by Frasier, and effective plays from Branes and Kalu got the Miners’ got into the rhythm once again. Although the Falcons tried everything they could and nabbed the last four points of the game, in the end, the Miners won their second home game since their opener against Sul Ross.
This prompted UTEP to take control of the scoreboard, rushing to get the lead back to 24. The Miners be back to the basketball courts on the road against the University of California, Santa Barbara Gauchos (3-0, 0-0 Big West) at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20. In the 23-24 season, the Miners won against the Gauchos with a score of 89-76.
Catching Marginot is a contributor and can be reached at hcmarginot@miners.utep.edu
