UTEP Snaps C-USA Road Losing Streak with Strong Win at Old Dominion

After a 15-0 run by Old Dominion that lifted the Monarchs to a seven point lead with under two minutes to go, UTEP went on a 7-0 run of their own to tie the game, 63-63, at the end of regulation.

The Miners went on to out-score Old Dominion 15-7 in overtime, including a 5-0 run in the first three minutes, to steal the road win, 78-70. The win snapped a seven-game C-USA road losing streak for the Miners (9-8, 2-3 C-USA).

Souley Boum scored 13 of UTEP's 15 points in the extra period, while leading the Miners with 28 points (13-of-14 FT, six steals). Jamal Bieniemy scored 14 points for the Miners, along with a clutch 3-pointer late in regulation, while Jamari Sibley scored 11 points. Tydus Verhoeven (9 points), Alfred Hollins (8) and Jorell Saterfield (8) combined for 25 points.

“A lot of respect to Old Dominion," said head coach Joe Golding. "Well coached and great players. I thought tonight, no question we won the 50-50 balls. So proud of the guys for fighting and finding a way to win a game.”

The Miners fought hard in the first half and led for 16:39 of the opening period. Tydus Vehoeven lifted the visiting squad early into the game, as he had a pair of low post jumpers and the squad had an early 6-3 lead. Both teams were cold to start things off with the Miners scoring just 3-of-12 from the floor and the Monarchs starting on a cold 2-of-11 shooting effort through the first nine minutes of the game. Both teams started off 0-of-13 from 3-point range until Bieniemy hit a 3-pointer for the Miners at the 5:49 mark.

The first half featured four lead changes and five times when the game was tied. Old Dominion was able to get to the line frequently, attempting 16 free throws against the Miners. The Monarchs tied the game, 26-26, at the end of the first half.

UTEP held onto a lead for another 16 minutes in the second half before the Monarchs started on their 15-0 run at the 6:47 mark. UTEP responded with a 9-0 run that stretched into the overtime period. The Miners were able to outlast ODU in the extra period with a 6-3 run to close the game in the final 1:13.

Old Dominion was led by Austin Trice, who had 19 points and 20 rebounds. The Monarchs shot 31.5% from the field and only hit 1-of-15 3-point attempts. They dominated the rebound margin, 52-26. The Monarchs went to the line and attempted 47 free throws (35-of-47).

UTEP shot 41% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. They hit 16-of-27 free throws on the evening. The Miners forced 15 turnovers defensively, led by Boum's six steals.

Up next: UTEP will host UTSA (7-11) on Thursday, January 20 at the Haskins Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.