UTEP completes Florida sweep with 89-82 win over Florida Atlantic

UTEP’s trip to Florida proved that the Miners have established their team identity, and it couldn’t be more fun to watch.

Using the speed, athleticism, and hustle of their four-guard lineups, the Miners know that they’re meant to constantly run and push the ball down court with an accompanying full-court press on defense.

Florida Atlantic (7-19, 5-8 C-USA) made it a game at the end, but UTEP (15-11, 7-6 C-USA) came away with the Florida sweep by beating the Owls 89-82 Saturday after a win over Florida International on Thursday.

The Miners had six players score in double figures: Lee Moore led with 17 points, followed by Earvin Morris (14), Omega Harris (14), Dominic Artis (13, 9 rebounds, 9 assists), Hooper Vint (13), and Terry Winn (11, 8 rebounds).

UTEP was unstoppable running the ball for most of the game with the Miners scoring the first eight points and getting out to a game-high 17-point lead at four different points.

As the Miners cruised through possessions with consistent double-digit advantages deep into the second half, it seemed like UTEP should start slowing it down in order to limit the number of possessions FAU could use to erase its deficit.

UTEP did just that.

The Miners conservatively started setting up the half-court offense and getting away from their new-found aggression that has been so effective.

But with 5:07 on the clock -- UTEP leading 82-67 -- FAU began a 15-3 run that put the Owls within three points with 2:32 to play.

As the FAU arena erupted in cheers, the Miners then stifled the almost comeback by shutting down the Owls’ offense and scoring the game’s final four points.

UTEP shot 51.6% from the field, 50.0% from three, 74.1% at the free throw line, and out-rebounded FAU 38-31 with its smaller, quicker lineup.

The Miners will face Southern Miss at the Haskins Center on Feb. 18 (7:05 p.m. MT).