- Game: Liberty Flames vs UTEP Miners
- Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Location: Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN2
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The Liberty Flames (21-3) are heading to Don Haskins Center this Saturday for a matchup against the UTEP Miners (10-15).
The last time the Liberty Flames took the court, they secured a narrow victory against New Mexico State, finishing the game at 77-75. Liberty achieved a field goal percentage of 43.9% (29 of 66) and hit 11 of their 32 shots from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Flames were efficient, making 8 of 9 attempts (88.9%). They collected a total of 30 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards, and handed out 14 assists. The defense forced 9 turnovers and recorded 5 steals. On the flip side, they allowed New Mexico State to shoot 47.6% from the field, as the opponent made 30 out of 63 attempts. New Mexico State registered 14 assists and also had 5 steals, while grabbing 35 rebounds (8 offensive, 27 defensive) without any blocks. At the charity stripe, they were perfect, sinking all 7 shot attempts, and completed 8 of 27 three-point attempts. Both teams committed 12 personal fouls each during the game.
JJ Harper was a standout performer, contributing 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting while logging 33 minutes on the floor. He logged 1 rebound and dished out 4 assists while shooting 63.6% overall.
The Flames approach this contest with a solid record of 21-3 this season. They average 79.2 points per game, ranking 116th nationally, while shooting an impressive 52.2% from the field. Liberty has been particularly strong beyond the arc, converting 40.5% of their three-point attempts (253 of 625) and shooting 70.7% from the free-throw line. They are averaging 30.1 rebounds per game and have dished out 422 assists this season, ranking 43rd in Division I for assists. Their turnover rate stands at 8.6 per game, coupled with an average of 13.8 personal fouls.
Defensively, the Flames force 11.5 turnovers per game, while committing 15.6 fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 35.6% from three-point range and rank 45th in NCAA basketball by giving up an average of 67.9 points per game. Liberty allows a shooting percentage of 43.6% (601 of 1,379) and concedes an average of 33.0 rebounds, ranking 58th in Division I for assists allowed, with 286 given up this season.
In their last outing, the UTEP Miners managed to secure a 69-64 victory against Jacksonville State. They gathered 19 defensive rebounds and 6 offensive boards for a total of 25 rebounds in the game. The Miners had 9 turnovers and recorded 11 steals. Jacksonville State committed 15 personal fouls, leading to 19 free-throw attempts for UTEP, who converted 14 (73.7%). From beyond the arc, UTEP made 11 out of 25 attempts (44.0%). Overall, the Miners shot 22 for 47 from the field, achieving a shooting percentage of 46.8%. Conversely, they allowed Jacksonville State to score on 24 out of their 49 field goals, resulting in a shooting percentage of 49.0%. UTEP also permitted Jacksonville State to shoot 44.4% from three-point range (8 out of 18) and 8 of 14 at the free-throw line (57.1%). UTEP’s defense allowed a total of 25 rebounds, with 6 coming from the offensive end.
Caleb Blackwell was a key player for the Miners, notching 16 points in 34 minutes while dishing out 6 assists. He achieved a shooting rate of 50.0% (6 of 12) and grabbed 4 rebounds.
The Miners currently hold a record of 10-15 for the season. Offensively, UTEP is shooting 42.7% from the field, placing them 308th in the nation. They have scored a total of 1,751 points this season, averaging 70.0 points per game, and collect 32.8 rebounds per contest. Their assist average is 12.5 per game (ranked 291st nationally), and they turn the ball over 11.8 times each game. Defensively, they commit 18.4 personal fouls on average and are shooting 69.5% from the free-throw line.
On the defensive end, UTEP ranks 123rd in Division I for points allowed per game, conceding 71.8 points. They force 13.2 turnovers per game and permit opponents to shoot 44.6% from the field (223rd in the nation). They allow 34.7% shooting from three-point range (173 of 498) and give up 70.6% of free throws made. UTEP also allows 12.8 assists and 36.1 rebounds per game, ranking 132nd and 277th in the nation, respectively.
Who will cover the spread in tonight’s NCAA contest?
Pick: Take Liberty
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