UTEP 77 – FIU 68: Late-Game Comeback Lifts Miners Over Panthers, Giving UTEP 1st C-USA Series Sweep

Using a huge run in the second half and with help from its stifling second half defense, the Miners were able to get their first Conference USA series sweep on Saturday after defeating FIU, 77-68.

However, it was far from an easy feat to accomplish.

UTEP had 17 turnovers and trailed 44-36 at the 13:54 mark in the second half. Then, they proceeded to go on an 18-2 run that helped them overtake the Panthers in the end and get a much-needed series sweep.

Agnew was the standout for the Miners, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench. Junior guard Souley Boum notched his sixth 20-point performance over his last seven games, along with dishing out five assists. The defense also helped to force 17 turnovers against the Panthers, including 13 in the second half alone. UTEP scored 20 points in transition, compared to only eight by FIU.

The men’s squad had about as inconsistent of a first half as it could get. They totaled five turnovers in the first eight minutes and couldn’t get any momentum offensively. Boum had nine of UTEP’s first 12 points as they struggled to get any shots to fall.

The Miners ended the half trailing by seven, 37-30, as FIU led for 18:38 of the opening portion. The Panthers forced 11 first half turnovers against the Miners, who shot a disappointing 33% from the field (9-of-27).

In the second half, UTEP vastly improved, shooting 48% from the field (11-for-23). Amid UTEP's 18-2 run, they benefited off a technical foul against Antonio Day Jr.

Others who scored in double figures for the Miners include Bryson Williams (11 points, 4-of-10 FG) and Jamal Bieniemy (11 points, 2-for-5 FG).

Up next: The Miners (10-10, 6-10 C-USA) will face Florida Atlantic (8-9), who is coming off being swept on the road against UTSA. Tip-off for Friday’s game is set for 3:30 p.m. at FAU Arena.