By Sydney Huber and Gabriel Katko
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State women’s basketball team returns to the court at the Pan American Center Saturday, Feb. 21, hosting Conference USA rival the University of Texas El Paso Miners in what promises to be another intense Battle of I-10 matchup. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. with coverage on ESPN+.
After trading results earlier this season, both teams enter Saturday’s matchup eager to build momentum as conference play winds down. New Mexico State comes in at 8–17 overall and 4–9 in CUSA action, while UTEP follows closely with a 11–13 overall record and a 3–10 mark in league play. NMSU sits at 10th in CUSA standings, while UTEP sits just below the Aggies at 11th.
The Miners got the best of the Aggies 79-69 in El Paso during the last matchup, turning steals into fast-break points, and commanding the boards on both sides of the ball. Imani Warren lead the Aggies in scoring with 21 points. Meanwhile, Lucía Yenes posted a solid performance, scoring 20 points and four rebounds.
Yenes has put together a very strong 2025-2026 campaign. The senior forward has averaged 13.6 PPG, which leads the team, shooting 42.8% from the field, along with 5.8 rebounds per game this season.
Warren, who is second on the team in points per game with 12.8, has taken a giant leap this season. The junior guard, who averaged just 1.7 PPG last season, has been an integral piece for the Aggies, including posting her career-high 29 points against conference rival Liberty. As of late, Warren has scored 10 or more points in 7 of her last 8 games.
Although the Aggies have won one of their last seven games, the team has shown flashes of offensive and defensive prowess. In their last home game, the Aggies were down 40-23 entering the second half against conference rival, Louisiana Tech. The team outscored the Lady Techsters 26-15 in the third quarter to bring the game within two points. Unfortunately, the Aggies could not capitalize and fell to the Lady Techsters 77-58.
After the loss against LA Tech, head coach Jody Adams spoke about the next stretch of games and what the team’s priorities will be moving forward.
“For us coaches, we continue to look at things we can hone in on and staying positive,” Adams said. “And that comes with attitude, effort, and executing that game plan.”
For the Aggies to pull off the victory, limiting turnovers and controlling the paint will be crucial. NMSU offense has faced challenges this season, averaging under 60 points per game and struggled from the deep, while UTEP has been opportunistic on the boards.
On the other side, UTEP will look to sustain the scoring balance that has helped it remain competitive. The Miners have shown the ability to get contributions up and down the lineup and will aim to keep the pressure on both ends of the court once again.
What Fans Should Know:
- With conference standings tightening, this game could have implications for seeding heading into the CUSA Tournament.
- The Battle of I-10 matchup has historically featured spirited play, and both teams know a win here can shift confidence late in the season.
-
-
-
-
-
