The Miners overcame a sluggish start to beat UTSA 69-62 for their seventh consecutive win on Saturday night.  The third largest crowd of the season of 10,884 witnessed their team's resilient ability to erase an early UTSA lead of 24-12 in the first half where the Roadrunners hit 11 of their first 15 shots.  The Miners went on a run of their own by holding the Roadrunners scoreless for eight minutes, and proceeded to tally12 straight points.  Both squads were tied up at 30 at the half.

With the victory the Miners are now 19-7, 11-3 in C-USA and sit a mere half game back of Conference USA leader Louisiana Tech.  The win was a significant one for Coach Floyd as it marked his 100th as the head coach of the Miners.  The second half was close as UTSA took a one point lead with 11:29 remaining in the game.  Earvin Morris who scored a game high 18 points, including 15 in the second half, notched 8 of the team's 10 during a 10-0 run to give UTEP a 52-43 lead.

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The Roadrunners were able to pull within three points of the Miners on a few separate occasions in the second half, but could never quite catch UTEP who prevailed to win another crucial C-USA contest despite losing Cedrick Lang who fouled out with 3:51 left in the game.  C.J. Cooper had another solid performance with 16 points, while both Vince Hunter and Julian Washburn contributed with 10 points. It was also the Miner's second straight Noche Latina game victory.  To commemorate the special occasion the team wore their Mineros jerseys.

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The Miners will travel to face arguably their most difficult test of the season as they head to Ruston, Louisiana to take on La Tech next Thursday night for the outright lead in C-USA.  The Bulldogs have won 26 games in a row at home.  Here is Coach Floyd's complete post game press conference.

 

 

 

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