UTEP Miners Narrowly Edged Out at Bernard Johnson Coliseum
In a closely contested game at the Bernard Johnson Coliseum, the UTEP Miners fell short against the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 56-60. The Miners now stand with their record reflecting more losses than victories, while the Bearkats have evened out their season's performance.
The UTEP Miners showed tenacity on defense, racking up an impressive 13 steals and blocking two shots. Despite this defensive effort, they were unable to capitalize fully on offense. The team shot 36 percent from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, making only four out of 16 three-point attempts for a mere 25 percent completion rate. From the free-throw line, they managed to convert 59 percent of their shots.
The Miners' efforts in scoring were led by points in the paint where they tallied up to 28 points but were overshadowed by turnovers which amounted to a total of 16 for the game. Their fast-break opportunities yielded them an additional 15 points. However, personal fouls seemed to plague them throughout as they accumulated a dozen over both halves.
On rebounding fronts, UTEP pulled down a total of 31 rebounds with nine offensive boards contributing to six second-chance points. However, it was not enough as Sam Houston dominated this aspect with an overwhelming total rebound count of 51.
The Bearkats capitalized on their home court advantage by converting higher percentages in crucial categories: shooting at an overall rate of 41 percent from field goals and securing more points off turnovers (15) despite committing more themselves (22). Their dominance in paint was evident as they scored an outstanding number of points (44), bolstering their position during critical moments.
As fans look forward to future games hoping for better outcomes, attention turns towards another chance for redemption when UTEP hosts Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Don Haskins Center in El Paso on February first at eight o'clock PM Central Time. This encounter will be available for viewing via ESPN+ internet broadcast network ensuring that supporters can follow every moment live as it unfolds on court.