UTEP Wins A Triple Overtime Thriller Against Oregon 91-84

It took close to an extra half of play, but the Miners were able to get a crucial triple overtime win against the Oregon Ducks.  UTEP remained poised throughout the contest, and despite being out rebounded, the Miners were able to pull away late in the third OT, defeating an exceptional Oregon team.

It was only the second meeting between the Miners and the Ducks, and Oregon's first ever trip to El Paso.  The 8,512 fans who were in attendance were treated to some spectacular, and nerve wracking basketball.  Sam Houston State transfer Konner Tucker came through in a huge way for UTEP scoring 9 of his 12 points in overtime, and hit a huge 3 pointer with just 13 seconds left in the third overtime.

Julian Washburn had a stellar performance for the Miners as well scoring a career high 23 points, and John Bohannon had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.  This was an extremely competitive game that featured 17 ties and 16 lead changes.  There were 9 lead changes in overtime alone.

With the win, UTEP is now 4-5 on the season.  This was a game that the Miners clearly needed to win, considering their heartbreaking 2 point loss to UNLV on Monday night.  Oregon is clearly the best team that UTEP has defeated all season long.  The Ducks came into the contest on a 4 game winning streak, won at #21 UNLV, and are just outside of the AP top 25 ranked teams in the nation.

For the Miners, it was their 4th triple overtime game in team history, and their first one in El Paso since February 28, 1998 against BYU.  Following the game Coach Floyd mentioned that those people who were fortunate enough to be in attendance for the game saw a great contest.  He had this to say,

Next up, the Miners will host the 51st annual Weststar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational.  They will play Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, and then either Central Michigan or Nebraska on Sunday.