Like anyone in the first game of a season with a new coach, the UTEP men's basketball team has much to work on after an 85-57 victory over Western New Mexico that started the Joe Golding era in promising fashion.
What they have is a defense that creates havoc and an electric point guard in Jamal Bieniemy. That was easily enough against an overmatched Division II team that did give the Miners problems for a few stretches.
The Mustangs never threatened an upset because UTEP forced 26 turnovers and blocked eight shots, ensuring that there were going to be game-breaking runs.