The UTEP Miners (7-6, 0-1Conference USA) lost their first conference game to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (11-3, 1-0 C-USA) on Dec. 30 at the Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The Miners could not find their footing offensively and struggled on defense in this matchup.
“They are just explosive at all five spots and I think they (UAB) are an NCAA Tournament team,” UTEP associate head coach Jeremy Cox said. “We guarded and were there a few times, but they hit some tough and contested shots. These things can get out of hand in a hurry and to keep it respectful throughout says a lot (about our guys).