Southeastern Louisiana beats UTEP at Don Haskins Center Wednesday night

EL PASO, Texas – UTEP had warned that their opponent Wednesday was not to be overlooked.

Southeastern Louisiana entered the night 3-1 on the season, after all, and had some explosive playmakers.

But few people thought they would come into the Don Haskins Center and dominate UTEP from start to finish, winning 72-56.

UTEP jumped out to an early 7-2 lead thanks to an Omega Harris three-point play. It appeared early that UTEP’s size would be too much for the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana.

But the Lions did what lions do – they roared back.

Davon Hayes knocked down several key three-pointers in the first half to bring the Lions back and then eventually extend their lead. He led the Lions in scoring with 19 points.

The teams traded threes for a few possessions midway through the first half, with Trey Touchet and Jake Flaggert hitting from downtown for the Miners.

But toward the end of the first half, the Miners had trouble stopping the penetration of Marlain Veal, who got to the rim with ease.

Hayes buried a three late in the first stanza, and the Lions managed to push their lead to 15 at the break. They were able to control the second half, keeping the Miners out of striking distance, en route to the 16-point win.

UTEP falls to 2-3 on the year with the loss, while the Lions improve to 4-1.

UTEP has the next ten days off, a stretch that coach Tim Floyd says will be key for this team going forward.