The UTEP women's basketball team's season of rebuilding doesn't entirely hinge on Thursday night's game with North Texas.
Win or lose there is another big one Saturday against Rice, then a pair of home games next weekend against the two Florida schools that will determine the Miners' post-season fate.
What is imperative is that after a four-game road trip and four-game losing streak, UTEP must show some life Thursday night against a Mean Green team that in terms of Conference USA record (6-6) and position (eighth out of 14 teams) defines midpack. On paper this is the toughest opponent in the four-game homestand, but at the same time definitely a winnable game in a season where that can't be said of every game.