Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent game of women’s basketball.

The UTEP Miners hosted the Jax State Gamecocks and won 52-44 in a defensive showing. Sophomore forward Luisa Vydrova was first to strike with a close shot at the rim. She would garner 8 points and 8 rebounds throughout the game.

Miners started off well on defense and gained momentum with their offensive in the first quarter. Yet, Jax State was able to keep up by making tough shots and making a strategic effort to play airtight defense on UTEP junior forward Ndack Mbengue. The Miners ended the first quarter leading 17-12.

The Gamecocks were able to tie up near the end of the second half due to UTEP having some miscommunication on offense. Jax State grabbed 14 rebounds which was twice the amount of rebounds the Miners had. UTEP was able to stay ahead 28-25 at the end of the half.

The third quarter witnessed the Miners ramp up their momentum on both sides of the court. Jax State only made 2-7 of their shots and only gained two rebounds while the Miners had a field goal percentage of 63.6% with 7 team rebounds which resulted in the score 43-34.

Jax State tried to get the lead 44-43 with a 3-point-shot, but UTEP junior guard Portia Adams took back the scoreboard with her own layup. The Miners got back in the groove offensively with good ball movement, having two centers on the court. The Gamecocks scored their final bucket with 7:26 in the quarter. They were not able to answer back leaving the final score 52-44.

The Miners will play their next game on the road against Western Kentucky in another C-USA matchup on Feb. 27.

Kristian Hernandez is a contributing photographer and may be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram @northeastvideography.