UTEP men’s basketball season begins in defeat; Miners fall to Northern Kentucky, 84-76

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota - The start of the 2026-27 season for the UTEP Miners got off to a shaky start Monday afternoon in Sioux Falls, SD.

The Miners will start the season with a loss after falling to the Northern Kentucky Norse by a final score of 84-76.

Northern Kentucky is a Division 1 program out of the Horizon League.

Monday's game against the Norse was played in Sioux Falls, SD as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.

The Miners kept the game close, but could never generate enough offense to overtake the Norse.

Northern Kentucky had a 42-38 lead at the half.

The Norse never relinquished the lead in the second half outscoring the Miners by the exact same halftime total, 42-38

UTEP forward, Youssouf Traoré led the way in scoring for the Miners with 18 points.

The Miners will now have to wait a little longer to try and get their first win of the season.

UTEP's next game will be their home opener Sunday against Incarnate Word.

Tipoff is at 5 p.m. from the GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center.