UTEP confident ahead of rematch with Southern Miss

Last month’s loss at Southern Miss was the low point of UTEP’s 2016-17 season.

That game marked the 12th consecutive loss for the Miners, and things looked very dim.

But eight games later, the Miners have figured out how to win. They’ve won six of those eight games, giving them plenty of confidence that they can avenge last month’s 73-65 defeat at Southern Miss.

UTEP was hampered by the fact center Matt Willms was not at 100-percent after dealing with foot and ankle problems and a broken nose.

Now, Willms appears to be at full strength, having run off five straight double figure scoring performances.

“I couldn’t help the team like I wanted to. I was just jogging up and down the court,” said Willms. “So, hopefully, I can be a difference because even their bigs play like guards. So, maybe play some zone and just stop them from getting in there.”

Willms was limited to just 24 minutes of action in the first meeting against Southern Miss, and the big man only recorded six points.

An injured Willms allowed Quinton Campbell to torch the Miners for 24 points and 10 rebounds – something UTEP has not forgotten.

“Last game at Southern Miss, [Campbell] had himself a night,” said UTEP forward Paul Thomas. “So, we’ll definitely have to shut him down. And we’re playing just a lot better since then, so I think we’ll be fine.”

UTEP could certainly use a win to help clear up the Conference USA picture.

Entering the day, UTEP was tied with four other teams for fifth in the conference.

Southern Miss is coached by Doc Sadler, who roamed the sidelines as UTEP’s head coach from 2004 to 2006.