UTEP wins a thriller over Middle Tennessee in furious comeback

Fueled by a 19-6 run late in the second half against Middle Tennessee, the UTEP Miners did what no other Conference USA team has done all season long against the Blue Raiders; win.

Center Matt Willms and Dominic Artis combined for 27 points and 10 rebounds in a 57-54 win as the Miners outscored the Blue Raiders by 14 points, after shooting an abysmal 21% in the first half.

UTEP handed MTSU it’s first loss in conference play while the Miners are now 6-4 in conference play and fifth place in the C-USA standings.

MTSU led by as much as 17 in the early stages of the second half, but UTEP did not fold. The Miners closed the gap as the Blue Raiders went cold, setting up a thrilling finish.

An Omega Harris floater gave UTEP the lead late in the second half. The teams would then trade free throws in the final minute, allowing UTEP to hold on to the one-point lead with seconds to play.

Matt Willms hit two clutch free throws to put the Miners up three with 7.8 seconds to go.

MTSU’s Giddy Potts had a look at a three-pointer for the tie, but his attempt came up short as the clock expired.

UTEP has now won six of its last seven games after losing 12 in a row earlier in the season.