Bulldogs Edge Out Miners in a Close Encounter at Don Haskins Center
The UTEP Miners faced a tough challenge against the Bulldogs, with both teams seeking to improve their records. The final score read 65-59 in favor of the visitors, leaving the Miners with an opportunity to reflect on their performance.
The game was marked by intense competition, as evidenced by the nine times the lead changed hands and the eighteen instances where neither team could claim dominance. The Bulldogs managed to secure a narrow victory despite being matched closely by the Miners throughout the contest. Louisiana Tech's offense was slightly more efficient, converting 43 percent of their field goals compared to UTEP's 39 percent. Both teams were aggressive on defense but it was Louisiana Tech who capitalized better on turnovers, scoring 10 points off turnovers.
UTEP showcased tenacity on defense with an impressive tally of 13 steals but struggled to convert these opportunities into points, managing only 14 points off turnovers. The Miners also excelled in distributing the ball as they racked up 19 assists over Louisiana Tech's 12, reflecting a strong team effort in creating scoring chances.
However, shooting accuracy from beyond the arc and at free throw line proved pivotal; UTEP hit eight three-point shots at a rate of 38 percent and made just three out of five free throws at a rate of 60 percent. In contrast, Louisiana Tech had similar success from three-point range with eight made threes but outperformed UTEP at the charity stripe by making eleven free throws out of seventeen attempts for a conversion rate of about 65 percent.
Rebounding was another area where Louisiana Tech held an advantage with a total rebound count of 45 against UTEP's less dominant board presence that resulted in only 28 rebounds. This disparity contributed significantly to second-chance opportunities for Louisiana Tech who scored eleven second-chance points while limiting UTEP to seven.
Despite falling short this time around, there were positive takeaways for UTEP including their ability to force turnovers and create fast break opportunities which yielded them ten fast break points. Additionally, they managed more assists than turnovers demonstrating good ball control under pressure.
Looking ahead after this hard-fought battle against conference rivals Bulldogs from Louisiana Tech University; fans can mark their calendars for another exciting matchup as The UTEP Miners will host Sam Houston Bearkats at Don Haskins Center located in El Paso Texas on February twenty-fourth scheduled for an eight o'clock tip-off local time (20:00). This game will be available for fans via ESPN+ internet broadcast network ensuring supporters won't miss any action from what promises to be another compelling encounter.