Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent UTEP men’s basketball game.
On Feb. 15, UTEP men’s basketball collided with No. 2 Liberty University at home, ultimately falling short in an entertaining match. Though playing a competitive game, the Flames proved too much to handle. This matchup was crucial for the structure of Conference USA, featuring the No. 2 and No. 3 teams before the game. With the conference tournament not too near, this last stretch is important for seeding, with conference teams wanting to have favorable matchups.
Heading into the game, UTEP knew Liberty team’s strength was their three-point shots. Tipoff began at 7 p.m. at the Don Haskins filled with nearly 6,000 people for “El Chuco Night”. UTEP put the first points on the board after winning the jump ball in this heavy contest.
For a majority of the first half, the Miners’ defensive strategy for preventing the Flames’ three-point shooting proved somewhat effective. The Miner’s tenacity and length in half-court sets made Liberty turn the ball over and force uncomfortable shots.
UTEP eventually brought the lead to double digits to 31-21 at 4:21 on the clock, but the Flames stormed back late in the half. The Miners had the close advantage up 35-32 at half.
At the start of the half, senior forward Kevin Kalu made a quick drive to the baseline and finished with a smooth touch to score the first points. UTEP seemed to recontrol the game after halftime until both teams substituted some of their bench players to give the starters a bit of a break. There, the Flames’ bench (31 points) would come up huge, starting the momentum needed for comeback.
UTEP’s offense turned stagnant compared to Liberty’s, whose great ball rotation led to good looks on the three and inside the paint. Within the blink of an eye, the game was tied up 56-56 at the 6:09 mark following one from the Flames with a 10-0 run. The Miners would cut the deficit to three, but again Liberty responded with a heart-piercing three ball to take life out the crowd.
A tough clutch layup through traffic essentially put the Flames on top with 50 seconds left to go. UTEP set up good looks towards the end of the game but did not convert on those opportunities, losing 69-76.
Senior forward Otis Frazier III led UTEP in scoring with 16 points. Junior Corey Camper notched in 10, along with sophomore David Terrell Jr., who filled up the stat sheet on both ends.
With this loss to No. 2 Liberty, Miners’ basketball has fallen back to No.4 in the conference but looks to bounce back during their two-game road trip.
The team travel to Georgia for the next game to face off against Kennesaw State on Feb. 20, at 5 p.m.
Cameron Mason is a contributor for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected].
