After a tough loss against New Mexico State University in the I-10 rivalry, UTEP (13-4, 3-1 Conference USA) faced off against Liberty University (14-4, 2-3 CUSA) on Jan. 16 aiming to restart their winning streak.

The game was a close battle with nine ties and 12 lead changes throughout with ultimately UTEP coming out victorious 72-70. The Miners win also meant it was the team’s first CUSA road game win in a decade.  

The first half started with the Miners gaining the lead 7-2, but Liberty coming back with a 9-0 run. UTEP responded with a 10-4 run leaving the teams tied at halftime.

UTEP took the lead at the start of the second half 40-36, but the Liberty Flames came back with a 6-0 run.

With a game full of intensity, the last 40 seconds were thrilling as junior guard Ahamad Bynum gave the Miners the lead 70-65 with a 3-pointer. Liberty tied the game with 11 seconds remaining.

Sophomore guard David Terrell Jr. drove the ball up the court and with 2.9 seconds to spare, Bynum delivered the game-winning pull-up jump shot as Liberty’s final attempts failed.

UTEP shot 43.3% from the floor compared to Liberty’s 46.2% but the Miners dominated at the charity stripe (12-15) and rebounds (33-32).

Senior Otis Frazier finished with 14 points and six rebounds, followed by Bynum who delivered 13 and four rebounds. Senior guard Corey Camper Jr. finished with a career-high seven assists, six rebounds and 12 points. Junior guard Devon Barnes scored 10 points with two steals, and Terrell Jr. contributed seven points and a career-high nine rebounds.

The Miners will attempt to continue their winning streak as they face off against Florida International University on Jan. 18.

Ximena Cordero is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected].