Tiarra East scores 26 points, leading Temple to victory over Villanova
- The UTEP Miners defeated Tarleton State with a score of 67-62.
- Otis Frazier III was the leading scorer for UTEP, contributing 18 points and perfect from the free-throw line.
- The victory improved UTEP's record to 7-3 while Tarleton State fell to 3-9.
In El Paso, Texas, on December 16, 2024, the UTEP Miners managed to secure a 67-62 victory against the Tarleton State Texans in a closely contested basketball game. Otis Frazier III was a standout performer for UTEP, scoring 18 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He had an impressive free-throw performance, hitting 10 of 10, which significantly contributed to the Miners' success. The game was tightly contested with both teams exchanging leads, but UTEP managed to maintain their edge, especially after leading at halftime by 9 points. Corey Camper Jr. and Devon Barnes contributed with 11 points each, supporting Frazier's efforts to ensure a win. Throughout the game, UTEP displayed strong teamwork and defense, which was crucial in overcoming the challenge presented by Tarleton State. The Texans had their own standout players, with Bubu Benjamin leading the team with 18 points. Jordan Mizell and Keitenn Bristow added 14 and 13 points, respectively, making the game competitive until the final moments. The Miners took an early lead and maintained it through solid play in the first half. At the break, they held a 32-23 advantage. After halftime, Frazier dominated, netting 12 points after the break to help fend off the Texans' efforts for a comeback. Despite a strong performance from Tarleton State, who rallied with a few scoring runs, UTEP's defense proved resilient. As the final minutes ticked away, UTEP's ability to remain calm under pressure allowed them to close out the game effectively. With this victory, UTEP improved their season record to 7-3, reflecting their competitive setup and promising prospects for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, this defeat saw the Texans drop to a disappointing 3-9 record, raising questions about their season's trajectory. This game underlined the importance of free-throw shooting and solid defensive strategies in collegiate basketball, elements both teams will have to focus on in their upcoming matches.