Western Kentucky's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 68-56 victory over UTEP at the Don Haskins Center. The Hilltoppers, led by Teagan Moore's impressive 19 points and 7 rebounds, outscored the Miners 37-21 in the final period to secure the 12-point win. Moore's dominant display was complemented by Armelo Boone's 9 points and 14 rebounds, as Western Kentucky controlled the boards and dictated the pace of the game.
UTEP, meanwhile, was paced by Jamal West Jr.'s 15 points and 6 rebounds, while LA Hayes added 13 points and 7 rebounds. However, the Miners' offense struggled to find consistency, particularly in the second half, as they managed just 21 points after trailing by only four at halftime. The Hilltoppers' defensive effort was a key factor in limiting UTEP's scoring opportunities, and their own ability to convert on the other end ultimately proved decisive.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Western Kentucky taking a narrow 31-35 lead into the break. UTEP had managed to stay within striking distance, thanks in part to West Jr.'s 10 points in the opening period. However, the Hilltoppers' adjustments at halftime paid dividends, as they began to pull away midway through the second half. A 10-2 run, sparked by Moore's scoring and Boone's rebounding, gave Western Kentucky a 10-point cushion with just over five minutes remaining, and they never looked back.
The win is a solid addition to Western Kentucky's resume, as they improved to 11-9 on the season. While the victory over UTEP, a Quadrant 4 opponent, may not significantly boost their tournament chances, it does help to bolster their overall record and provides a confidence boost heading into their next outing. For UTEP, the loss drops them to 7-13, and while it was expected, it does little to enhance their postseason prospects. As a Quadrant 4 loss, it will not severely damage Western Kentucky's profile, but rather serves as a reminder that they must continue to perform well against stronger opponents to strengthen their tournament case.
In terms of tournament implications, Western Kentucky's victory keeps them on the periphery of the conversation, but they must secure more impressive wins to seriously contend for a spot. With a current net ranking of 170, the Hilltoppers have work to do to climb the standings and make a compelling case for selection. Nevertheless, their performance against UTEP demonstrates that they have the talent and depth to compete with a variety of opponents, and they want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. As the season progresses, Western Kentucky's ability to capitalize on opportunities like this matters in determining their postseason fate.