In the search for a breakthrough victory, the UTEP men’s basketball team is experiencing a challenging season, currently on a three-game losing streak. With a record of 3-5, the Miners are still seeking their first win against a Division I opponent. Optimistically, their most recent performance—a narrow road loss to the 7-2 Seattle team—has offered a glimmer of hope. In that contest, UTEP was tied with just three minutes remaining, showcasing an improvement compared to earlier games this season.
The loss at Seattle followed two underwhelming outings at a Jacksonville tournament and a surprising escape against Division III’s St. Thomas. Coach Joe Golding acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized that there are signs of progress. “It’s obviously rebounding; we have to get better at it, and our offensive execution needs to improve,” said Golding. He identified rebounding as a primary concern, particularly as UTEP has been outmatched in second-chance points throughout their Division I games, with an average rebounding deficit of 4.8 boards per game.
Despite being undersized, UTEP has attempted to counterbalance its height disadvantage with a strong turnover advantage, but they are currently only at +3.8 in that department. A strategic shift to a larger lineup against Seattle proved beneficial, with players like 6-foot-6 Jamal West and 6-foot-8 Elijah Jones performing significantly better, registering season highs in both points and minutes played.
While the Miners were outrebounded 33-29 in the Seattle game, they managed to keep second-chance points close, only losing that battle 11-10. However, in the final minutes of the game, UTEP’s inability to secure key rebounds allowed Seattle to gain momentum, underscoring the ongoing need for improvement in that area.
Offensively, UTEP has faced challenges, notably due to the integration of ten new players and only four returning. The cohesion has yet to fully materialize, but the performance against Seattle, where they shot 47.4%, indicated that progress may be underway. Their turnover numbers also improved slightly, accommodating the level of competition faced.
Defensively, the Miners are starting to adopt Golding’s aggressive strategy, pressuring opponents effectively and forcing turnovers. With opponents shooting 44% and averaging 16.5 turnovers per game, UTEP’s defense has shown potential, although consistent rebounding remains a hurdle.
Looking ahead, UTEP faces a daunting challenge in Hawaii, but if they can build on the improvements noted against Seattle, there may be opportunities to gain momentum as they approach the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. With conference play starting on December 29, this period is crucial for the team to continue its development. While UTEP still has significant work ahead, their recent performances suggest they may be starting to turn a corner in their quest for success.
