The Miners played their final non-conference home game of the season with a convincing 72-44 win over Houston Baptist.  The game marked the first time that the two teams have met since the 1991-92 season.

Houston Baptist was able to make it a competitive game for some of the first half by outrebounding UTEP early and making easy shots in the paint.  The Miners regrouped and took a 31-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.

They came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, by outscoring the Huskies 41-23 in the final period.  UTEP's Konnor Tucker led all scores with 12 points, while Julian Washburn and Cedrick Lang each added 11 points.  With the victory, UTEP improved to 9-6.

The Miners are playing exceptionally well, they have won 3 in a row, and 5 of their last 6 games.  Their hot streak couldn't have come at a better time as conference play is now in full swing.  Next up for the Miners is a trip to Tulsa with the 10-7 Golden Hurricane.

They will then return home this Saturday to host SMU.  The Mustangs are coached by Larry Brown, the only individual to win both an NBA and NCAA championship.  Following the game Coach Floyd discussed his thoughts on his team's winning streak, and their game at Tulsa on Wednesday.  He mentioned,

Coach Floyd also mentioned that ESPN called the Miners schedule the "strongest in the country."  It is quite noticeable that their brutal non-conference schedule has prepared them for what will continue to be a grueling conference schedule.

 

 

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