The UTEP men's basketball team lost its Conference USA opener to UAB on Thursday night, 75-62.
The Miners (7-6, 0-1) have lost two straight and also lost coach Joe Golding, who was ejected from the game in the first half after being assessed two technical fouls.
UTEP was without starting guard Keonte Kennedy, who missed the game with a sprained ankle. He had been UTEP's top player in recent weeks and was averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds a game.
The Blazers (11-3, 1-0) were the only Conference USA team with double-digit wins in non-conference play and with Thursday's victory are 9-1 at home.