The basketball gods couldn't have drawn up a better Christmas present for UTEP hoops fans.  The Miners will be facing Tony Barbee and the Auburn Tigers in the third place game at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.  The game will tip of at 5:30 El Paso time on ESPN2.

UTEP fans should know this is a very winnable game.  If the Miners are rebuilding, then Auburn is waking up from a 50 year slumber.  To Tony's credit they are better this year and have been helped by transfer Varez Ward from Texas.

Despite the upgrade with Ward, Auburn still struggles to score the basketball.  UTEP should exploit Auburn's offensive woes.

Who knows what the outcome will be, but it will be fun to watch Barbee and Floyd match wits on Christmas day!

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