UTEP Continues Their Extraordinary Season With A Win Over FIU, and Improves to 16-1

The UTEP women's basketball team continues to dominate their opponents as they defeated FIU 69-57 in Miami to sweep both teams on their south Florida road trip.  The Miners came out and performed brilliantly from the opening tip.  FIU scored the first three points of the game on their opening possession, but never led again as the Miners smothering defense, and relentless offensive attack was way too much for the Panthers to handle.

With the win, UTEP moved to 16-1 on the season, 7-0 in C-USA, and has now won eight in a row.  The team continues to make history as they keep piling up wins. Following the first quarter, the Miners led 24-7 and shot 50 percent, which led to a distinct advantage of 39-24 at half time.  In the second half, FIU was able to trim the Miners' lead to 10, but that was as close as they were able to get.

The team overcame tremendous adversity as Cameasha Turner was out with concussion like symptoms, and Chrishauna Parker was out to attend the funeral of her great grandmother in Houston.  Lulu McKinney brought her A game as a starter in place of Turner by scoring 17 points, while Starr Breedlove led all scorers with 20, Jenzel Nash and Sparkle Taylor both contributed with 12 points.

Nash also had 8 boards, Daeshianna McCants tallied 7 rebounds, and Tamara Seda had a career high 8 rebounds.  UTEP out rebounded the Panthers 46-40, forced 19 turnovers which they converted to 26 points, and outscored FIU's bench 18-8.  Winning two games in three days on the road is no easy task, but the Miners seem to overcome obstacles and look forward to any challenge that comes their way.

They continue to make history and are winning with dignity, perseverance, and more than anything else, are proud.  This team has no need to showboat, they do their talking on the court.  It is an honor and a privileged to be part of this team, and this past road trip to south Florida is an experience that I will remember forever.

The Miners will return home to host Southern Miss next Thursday January 28 at 7:05 p.m. for their annual "Pack The House" game.  Admission is free, and I encourage everyone to come out and support this incredible team, they are a special group that will make you proud.