In a nail-biting game against the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Roadrunner’s (3-1, 0-0 American Athletic Conference), UTEP women’s basketball would ultimately fall short with a score of 78-73. The Miners (2-1, 0-0 Conference USA), however, were able to accomplish many feats during the game including 28 rebounds, 11 assists, four blocks and three steals. Head Coach Keitha Adams spoke about what the Miners needed to improve on, and the talent UTSA displayed as a team.
“First off UTSA has a good team, and I think this year they were better than they were last year,” said Adams. “I think we played some pretty good defense throughout the game and with our offense we have to find a way to score around the basket more consistently. I think we have gained confidence in our defense, and we need to work on a way to find confidence in our offense equally.”
The start of the game was tense, with both teams racking up points immediately. However, senior guard Ivane Tensaie, who made a career high of 27 points, helped the Miners secure the first quarter. Junior forward Ndack Mbengue also helped set the pace for the beginning of the game, grabbing three defensive boards. As more tense back and forth continued by the teams, the Miners ultimately had the lead by the second quarter with 38-27.
By the end of the half, the Miners were able to make 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks.
Although the Miners were up by 10 points, the Roadrunners knew they had to turn up the heat. Even with clutch rebounds by sophomore forward Luisa Vydrova, the Roadrunners raced to the top of the scoreboard by the end of the third, leading 53-48. The Miners were able to catch up fast, but due to two technical foulscalled on junior guard Portia Adams, the Roadrunners kept pushing their points up. With five minutes remaining in the game, those free-throws became very crucial helping UTSA ultimately secure the win 78-73, even with two three-pointers from Tensaie late in the game.
However,there were many highlights from both teams. Freshman forward Osadebamwen Igbinedion Omoruyi and Vydrova shared the team lead of rebounds with five each. Senior guard Delma Zita helped put out a team-best of seven assists, and sophomore forward Dunja Zecevic matched a career high in blocks with three total. UTEP shot 46.4% from the field, 66.7%from the foul line, and 64.3% from the three; the fourth best in program history.
From UTSA, the Roadrunners edged the Miners out with 31 rebounds and 16 assists. Roadrunner senior forward Jordyn Jenkins posted a game-high 30 points, and 12 rebounds and graduate student guard Nina De Leon Negron made a game-high of eight assists.
The Miners will take on the New Mexico Highlands on Nov. 23 at home.
Catching Marginot is a contributor and can be reached at hcmarginot@miners.utep.edu
