UTEP VS. Memphis ‘Part Deux’

The Memphis Tigers were virtually unbeatable at home this season, that was until the Miners defeated them at the Fed Ex Forum on February 18th 60-58.

It was the Tigers' only conference loss at home all season long.  The rule of thumb is that Memphis rarely loses games at home, but for some reason UTEP seems to feel quite comfortable at the Fed Ex Forum.  In a way it is like their second home.  Don't tell that to Memphis fans, they love the Miners like a hole in their heads.

After all, it was UTEP who ended the Tigers' NCAA record home winning streak a couple of seasons ago.  It was also UTEP who nearly defeated Memphis at home in 2008, when they were ranked #1,  had Derrick Rose, and went on to lose to Kansas in the NCAA Championship game.

This leads us to today's game, call it the rematch, the sequel, part 2, or as I like to refer to it as 'part deux,' which is French for 2.  UTEP defeated Houston 67-62 in overtime last night to advance to today's quaterfinal match up against number 1 seeded Memphis.

It is only fitting that the Miners won in OT, they have played 5 overtime games this season, and it makes sense that they advanced in the C-USA Tournament to play Memphis by winning a close competitive game in such a fashion.  Tonight's game, which tips off at 5:30 mountain time, will be entertaining to say the least.  If anyone can defeat Memphis at home in the C-USA Tournament, it is the Miners.  This is why I love March Madness!