EL PASO, Texas — In a game that lived up to the intensity and emotion of one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries, University of Texas El Paso outlasted New Mexico State 91–88 in overtime Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Don Haskins Center.
The victory marked one of the Miners’ most resilient performances of the season, as they overcame extended stretches of adversity, erased a late deficit and executed at a high level when the game mattered most.
From the opening tip, New Mexico State looked prepared to control the night. The Aggies dictated tempo early, spacing the floor effectively and capitalizing on defensive lapses to build momentum. Behind strong guard play and confident shooting, NMSU jumped out to a lead and carried a 39–32 advantage into halftime, having led for the majority of the first 20 minutes.
UTEP, however, slowly began to shift the tone in the second half. The Miners increased their defensive pressure, challenged shots at the rim, and found offensive rhythm through patience and ball movement. Still, New Mexico State refused to let go, responding to every UTEP run with timely baskets. With under a minute remaining in regulation, the Aggies appeared poised to close it out.
That’s when the game turned.
With the clock winding down and the Miners needing a score, Kaseem Watson delivered the moment of the night, knocking down a clutch three-pointer with six seconds remaining to tie the game and send the Don Haskins Center into a frenzy. Regulation ended deadlocked, setting the stage for overtime in a rivalry already heavy with emotion.
In the extra period, UTEP seized full control. Miner Caleb Blackwell emerged as the difference-maker, scoring nine of his 21 points in overtime while displaying poise, leadership and shot-making under pressure. Blackwell also filled the stat sheet with five rebounds, five assists and three steals, making key plays on both ends of the floor.
Inside, Jamal West Jr. provided a dominant presence. The senior forward finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, protecting the rim and altering shots in critical moments. Watson followed his late-game heroics with a strong overtime showing, completing the night with 18 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Elijah Jones added valuable production as well, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds, giving UTEP a physical edge on the glass.
New Mexico State was led by Jemel Jones, who turned in an impressive performance with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists, consistently creating offense throughout the night. Anthony Wrzeszcz chipped in 14 points, while Gabe Pickens scored 13, but the Aggies struggled to regain momentum once overtime began.
UTEP outscored NMSU 19–16 in overtime, relying on disciplined defense, timely free throws, and improved shot selection to close out the win. The Miners finished strong after trailing for much of the contest, turning persistence into payoff.
Beyond the final score, the win carried added significance. It reinforced UTEP’s toughness in close games, energized the home crowd, and delivered a statement victory in Conference USA play. For New Mexico State, the loss was a painful reminder of how slim the margin for error can be in rivalry games, especially on the road.
On a night defined by intensity, execution, and heart, UTEP proved that in the Battle of I-10, perseverance can be just as powerful as talent.
The Aggies are now below .500 sitting at 11-12 on the year (4-9 CUSA) and would be out of the conference tournament if the season ended today. The Aggies return to action back at the Pan American Center Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face Liberty.
The victory moved the Miners a game ahead of NMSU in the CUSA standings. UTEP is now 9-15 overall, and
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