UTEP’s defense was marginally improved, the offense looked a little more in sync at times, but the result was the same as UC Irvine controlled the lead down the stretch giving them a 62-57 win.
The loss gives UTEP their eight straight loss, UTEP also drops to 1-6 at home on the season, and 2-9 overall.
The first half was a close affair, with the lead changing hands seven times, and the score was also tied seven times.
UTEP opened up in a new look “point-zone” defense implemented by assistant coach Bobby Braswell which forced some turnovers, tough shots for UCI, and helped UTEP grab an early lead.