The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) men’s basketball team secured a decisive victory over Northern New Mexico, an NAIA school, with a final score of 79-60. This game served as a crucial warm-up for UTEP before they enter the Conference USA season after a two-week break. The match allowed Coach Joe Golding to assess his team's readiness and provide valuable playing time to all members of the squad. Notably, Otis Frazier nearly achieved a quadruple-double in the first half, while Corey Camper led the scoring with 15 points. The Miners forced numerous turnovers, capitalizing on them to extend their lead significantly by halftime.

The game also highlighted areas where the team needs improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency and fitness. Despite some sloppy play, Coach Golding emphasized the importance of this match in preparing the team for upcoming challenges. With a strong start to the season, UTEP is now focused on performing at their best in the Conference USA opener against Louisiana Tech.

Strategic Warm-Up Provides Valuable Insights

Scheduling a game against Northern New Mexico was a strategic move by Coach Golding. After a long break, it was essential to get the players back into competitive form without facing a formidable opponent right away. The game provided an opportunity to evaluate the team’s current condition and identify areas that require attention. It also allowed less experienced players to gain valuable court time, which is crucial for building confidence and cohesion within the team.

In the first half, the Miners demonstrated their dominance by forcing multiple turnovers and converting them into points. Otis Frazier’s near-quadruple-double performance showcased his versatility and leadership on the court. His ability to score, rebound, assist, and steal set the tone for the rest of the team. Additionally, the Miners outrebounded Northern New Mexico, indicating solid defensive play and overall team effort. Despite the lopsided score, Coach Golding noted that there were still aspects of the game that needed refinement, especially in terms of execution and conditioning.

Looking Ahead to Conference Play

With the win against Northern New Mexico, the Miners have positioned themselves well for the start of the Conference USA season. The game served as a reminder of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for future matches. Coach Golding acknowledged that while there were positive outcomes, the team must focus on improving their performance to compete effectively in the upcoming conference games.

The Miners’ next challenge will be against Louisiana Tech, a key matchup that could set the tone for the rest of the season. Players like Corey Camper emphasized the importance of coming ready to play and getting back into shape after the winter break. Frazier expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress but also recognized the need for continued improvement. As the Miners prepare for this critical game, they remain optimistic about their chances and are committed to delivering their best performance yet.