The UTEP Miners ended a seven-game losing streak on Saturday with a 79-69 win over the New Mexico State Aggies in the 100th edition of the Battle of I-10.
The Aggies (7-14, 3-6 C-USA) dropped an important road ga
me against the Miners (10-10, 2-7 C-USA), as both teams entered the matchup near the bottom of the conference standings.
After a slow start from both sides, the offense picked up speed. NMSU’s players shot 46% from the field and 25% from 3-point range, while UTEP finished at 41% overall and 32% from beyond the arc. Both teams were efficient at the free throw line, with the Aggies shooting 82% and the Miners shooting 81%.
Foul trouble plagued New Mexico State early, as the Aggies committed five fouls in the first quarter alone. Lucia Yenes picked up early fouls in the second quarter and briefly exited the game before returning.
Imani Warren led the Aggies with 21 points, nine rebounds and one assist in 35 minutes. Keira Hudson provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and an assist.
Turnovers proved costly for the Aggies, who committed 23 that led to points for UTEP.
Portia Adams paced the Miners with 21 points and was perfect from the free throw line, finishing 10 for 10. Mary Moses Amaniyo added 16 points off the bench, the second-highest total for UTEP.
UTEP capitalized on NMSU’s struggles with turnovers and lack of offensive rebounds to create a wider difference in the second half.
Both teams entered the game ahead of Western Kentucky in the C-USA standings, making the matchup critical for postseason positioning. There is still hope for both teams to finish in the top 10 and make the conference tournament.
UTEP will remain at home for back-to-back games before traveling to Lynchburg to face Liberty University on Thursday, February 12th. New Mexico State returns to the Pan American Center on Feb. 5 to host Sam Houston before another home matchup against conference leader Louisiana Tech on Saturday, February 7.
