Rodney Terry Press Conference Norfolk State

In an opening game that was supposed to be a rather winnable one, UTEP fell to Norfolk State 75-62 in the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Friday night, and will host former WAC rival Wyoming in the consolation game on Saturday at 5 p.m.  For the 4,284 fans in attendance, it was a surprising loss to say the least as the Miners were hoping to win their annual tournament at home for the first time since 2014.

Despite another near double-double from Efe Odigie who finished with18 points and 9 boards, Evan Gilyard's 20 points, Nigel Hawkins' 15 and Paul Thomas' 17 rebounds, the Miners simply couldn't overcome a mediocre first half shooting performance combined with a red-hot Norfolk State offensive explosion throughout the game, despite missing two of their starters.  East Tennessee State University will face Norfolk State in the championship game on Saturday at 7 p.m.