Miners defeat Gaels 75-62, advance in 76 Classic
After a heartbreaking 80-67 loss to UNLV three days ago, the UTEP basketball team came out and proved the loss was an aberration by defeating St. Marys 75-62 in the 76 Classic basketball tournament.
The Miners (3-1) used a 20-point performance from sophomore shooting guard Randy Culpepper, and a ramped up defense to defeat the Gaels by 13 points.
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Culpepper was assisted by freshman forward Arnett Moultrie, who despite earning three early fouls in the first half, scored 15 points, while senior Stefon Jackson scored 17.
The Gaels (3-1) were led in scoring by Omar Samhan, who recorded 20 points, followed by Patrick Mills who scored 17.
The Miners will play the winner of the Wake Forest/Cal St. Fullerton game which will be played following the game.
Miner notes
The Miners are 13-3 when allowing less than 75 points.
Carlos M. Silva Jr. is the publisher for MinerDigs.net. He can be reached at cmsilva@miners.utep.edu.