UTEP Women Basketball Thrilling Comeback Victory: The UTEP womens basketball team (4-3) orchestrated a remarkable comeback, rallying from 15 points down to triumph over a red-hot North Alabama (2-4) squad with a final score of 95-88 at the Don Haskins Center.
This comeback stands as the fifth-largest in the program’s history, showcasing resilience and determination. Erin Wilson delivered a stellar performance, leading all players with a career-high matching 26 points. Adhel Tac (19) and Aaliyah Stanton (13) also achieved career-best scores in this impressive turnaround.
The Miners displayed balanced scoring, with five players reaching double digits to overcome North Alabama’s sharp 57.1% 3-point shooting. Jane Asinde contributed significantly with 14 second-half points, while Delma Zita added 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers. Mahri Petree also played a key role, finishing with seven points.
Erin Wilson not only led in scoring but dominated the boards with 11 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive end. Adhel Tac, Jane Asinde, and Mahri Petree each grabbed five rebounds, while Aaliyah Stanton secured four. Petree and Stanton also showcased their playmaking abilities with three assists each, and Stanton capped her outstanding performance with a block.
Head Coach Keitha Adams praised the team’s offensive prowess, stating, That was definitely a high-octane offensive game, and we found a way to get it done. Made some stops at some key times when we needed it, and finally closed it out.
UTEP demonstrated efficiency in shooting, finishing the night with 53.8% from the field, 46.7% from beyond the arc, and 69.2% from the foul line. The Miners dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lions 39-24, and capitalized on paint points, second-chance opportunities, and fast breaks.
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Despite North Alabama’s early 12-1 lead, UTEP fought back, closing the gap to seven points by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw fluctuations, with the Lions building a double-digit lead, leading 47-37 at halftime.
The Miners continued their resilience in the third quarter, going on a 15-4 run to tie the game at 64. The Lions maintained a four-point lead (68-64) heading into the final quarter. However, UTEP surged in the fourth, scoring 31 points to secure a 95-88 victory. Erin Wilson’s impactful performance, including 10 points and seven rebounds in the final period, played a pivotal role in the comeback.
The Miners’ 95 points marked their highest since March 11, 2020, demonstrating offensive prowess. North Alabama’s sharpshooting, particularly Alexis Callins with 23 points, posed a challenge, but UTEP’s resilience prevailed.
Looking ahead, the Miners will host undefeated Colorado State (5-0) in the “915 Game” on Thursday at the Don Haskins Center.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What division is UTEP women’s basketball?
The UTEP Miners women’s basketball team, part of the Conference-USA West Division, is based in El Paso, Texas. Their home games are played at the Don Haskins Center, which has a seating capacity of 12,222. The team is known by the nickname “Miners.”
Who is the coach of UTEP women’s basketball?
Keitha Adams, the coach for the UTEP Miners women’s basketball team, is a seasoned leader in the world of college athletics. With her strategic mindset and unwavering determination, she has propelled the team to new heights. Her expertise on the court is unparalleled, and her passion for the game is evident in every play. Under her guidance, the UTEP Miners have become a force to be reckoned with, dominating their opponents with precision and skill. Coach Adams’s impact on the team is undeniable, and her dedication to excellence is truly inspiring.