UTEP punches ticket to C-USA Tournament after defeating North Texas, 68-66

For a UTEP team in need of a spark, Saturday’s visit to North Texas was just what the doctor ordered for the Miners.

The Miners left Denton, TX with a guarantee that their season will continue.

In a game that came down to the final seconds, UTEP was able to take down the Mean Green by a final score of 68-66.

The Miners needed a win or a Rice loss in order to lock up the 12th and final spot in the Conference USA tournament.

UTEP took control of its own destiny.

The game was close throughout with the Miners down 29-28 at the half.

The second half turned into a see-saw match with both teams trading the lead.

With just 16 seconds left in the game, the Mean Green tied the game at 66 after A.J. Lawson only made one of his two free throws.

UTEP took advantage of Lawson’s miss by driving down the court and getting another basket courtesy of Matt Willms.

Willms would get a dunk off of a pass from Evan Gilyard with just 3 seconds left in the game.

North Texas wasn’t able to answer and the Miners escaped with the victory.

UTEP senior Omega Harris had a big night leading the way in scoring for the Miners with 18 points.

UTEP will now prepare for the Conference USA Tournament.

The Miners will face UT-San Antonio in the first round of the tournament on Wednesday.