In a stunning turn of events, UTEP pulled off a monumental upset at the Don Haskins Center, taking down New Mexico State 91-88. This victory is a significant statement for the Miners, who were predicted to lose by 5.7 points according to CHD Scout. Instead, UTEP's impressive performance proved the prognosticators wrong, handing New Mexico State a tough loss.
UTEP's Kaseem Watson Grabs 12 Rebounds in Upset Win
Caleb Blackwell was the star of the show for UTEP, posting an impressive 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was complemented by strong performances from Jamal West Jr., who contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Kaseem Watson, who added 18 points and 12 rebounds. On the other side, Jemel Jones led New Mexico State with 26 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Miners' balanced attack.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with New Mexico State taking a 39-32 lead into halftime. However, UTEP came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Aggies 40-33 to take the lead. The Miners' ability to adapt and overcome New Mexico State's initial surge was a key factor in their victory.
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This upset win has real consequences for both teams. For UTEP, it's a much-needed boost to their resume, albeit still a Quadrant 4 win. The Miners' record improves to 9-15, and while they still have a long way to go, this victory shows they can compete with conference foes. On the other hand, New Mexico State's loss drops them to 11-12, and the Aggies must regroup and refocus to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth.
The loss is particularly damaging for New Mexico State, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 defeat. This could have a negative impact on their tournament chances, as the selection committee often views Q4 losses as a significant drawback. For UTEP, while the win is a Q4 victory, it's still a win, and the Miners will take any momentum they can get as they push through the remainder of their schedule.
In the end, UTEP's upset victory over New Mexico State will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Miners' ability to come together and secure a win against a team predicted to beat them is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As the season enters its final stretch, UTEP want to build on this momentum, while New Mexico State will aim to bounce back from a tough loss.