UTEP can’t keep up with FAU Owls at home, Miners lose third straight in conference play

The UTEP Miners can’t seem to catch a break this season even when they’re playing in front of their own home crowd.

Thursday night, the Miners lost their third straight conference game against the Florida Atlantic Owls by a final of 73-66.

The Owls came into the game winless in conference play and just like UTEP, FAU only had 6 wins this season prior to the visit to El Paso.

UTEP started off strong leading by 5 points at the half, but FAU would chip away in the second half.

A big difference in the game was in second opportunities.

The Miners shot 41.1 percent to the Owls’ 37.9, but the Owls had a 16-0 edge in second chance points, and outscored UTEP 34-18 in the paint.

In the second half, the rebounding difference was 27-15.

Evan Gilyard would lead the way in scoring for the Miners with 20 points.

UTEP falls to 6-11 on the season and 1-4 in C-USA play.

The Miners will host Florida International University on Saturday at 7 p.m. as they wrap up the two-game homestand.