- Matchup: UTEP Miners vs Liberty Flames
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Liberty Arena, Lynchburg, VA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The UTEP Miners (5-11) are set to visit Liberty Arena this Saturday, aiming to secure a victory against the Liberty Flames (13-3).
In their last outing, the Miners faced Western Kentucky, suffering a 68-56 defeat. In terms of fouls, UTEP committed 17 while Western Kentucky had 15. The Miners managed to convert 5 of their 19 three-point attempts, while Western Kentucky shot 59.1% from the free throw line, making 13 of 22 attempts. On the boards, the Wildcats secured 43 rebounds (17 offensive and 26 defensive), without a single block recorded. They also dished out 11 assists and tallied 13 steals. Defensively, UTEP allowed their opponents to shoot 39.1% (25 of 64) from the field, while they managed 9 assists, forced 10 turnovers, and achieved 6 steals. They collected 32 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive. From the free throw line, UTEP converted 77.3% (17 of 22) of their attempts, finishing the game with a field goal percentage of 32.1% (17 of 53) and hitting 5 of 22 from beyond the arc.
Key player Jamal West Jr. contributed significantly, scoring 15 points on 5 of 11 shooting. He played 36 minutes and grabbed 6 rebounds, ending the game with an efficiency rating of 45.5% from the floor and providing 2 assists.
As they enter this contest, UTEP holds a record of 5-11 for the season. They average 69.8 points per game (ranking 316th in college basketball) with a shooting percentage of 42.6%. The Miners connect on 31.2% of their three-point shots (104 of 333) and shoot 67.4% from the charity stripe. Overall, UTEP averages 33.4 rebounds per game and has distributed 194 assists this season, placing them 343rd in collegiate basketball for passing efficiency. They turn the ball over an average of 12.7 times per game and commit 19.8 personal fouls per contest.
Defensively, UTEP forces 14.0 turnovers per game and averages 17.3 personal fouls. Their defense ranks 94th nationally in terms of assists allowed, with 212 given up this season. They permit a field goal percentage of 45.1% (385 of 853) and surrender 35.8 rebounds per game. Opponents are shooting 34.6% from three-point range, and UTEP ranks 156th in points allowed per game (72.6).
In their most recent game, the Liberty Flames triumphed 82-74 against Sam Houston State. During this matchup, Liberty permitted Sam Houston State to gather 33 rebounds (11 offensive). They shot 37.5% from three-point range, making 9 out of 24 attempts, and converted 11 of 14 free throw attempts (78.6%). Sam Houston State hit 27 of 62 shots from the field, totaling 43.5% for the game. Meanwhile, Liberty shot an impressive 56.9% from the field, making 29 of their 51 attempts. For three-point shots, Liberty succeeded with 6 of 18 (33.3%) and converted 18 of 23 free throws at a rate of 78.3%. Sam Houston State committed 18 fouls, allowing the Flames ample opportunities at the free throw line. They also forced Sam Houston State into 11 turnovers and recorded 8 steals, finishing with 19 defensive rebounds and 1 offensive rebound.
Zach Cleveland played a pivotal role for Liberty, scoring 23 points on an efficient 68.8% shooting (11 of 16) while contributing 7 rebounds and 10 assists in 38 minutes.
Liberty boasts a strong record of 13-3 this season. Offensively, they have reached a shooting percentage of 52.2%, ranking 5th nationwide. Liberty has amassed 1,292 points this season (averaging 80.8 points per game) and records 31.8 rebounds per match. They provide 17.9 assists per game (30th in the nation) while averaging just 9.1 turnovers. The Flames commit 14.5 fouls per game and convert 68.7% of their free throw attempts.
Defensively, Liberty allows a 33.6% success rate on three-point shots (118 of 351), and their opponents are converting 73.0% of their free throws. They permit 11.7 assists and 34.4 rebounds per game, ranking 55th and 177th in college basketball, respectively. Liberty’s defense is ranked 49th nationally in points allowed, giving up an average of 67.8 points. They force 11.7 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 41.8% from the field (ranking 83rd in Division I).
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take UTEP
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