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For the third straight season, the Miners will travel and match up against a Pac-12 opponent. as the Miners face the Washington State Cougars tonight at 6:30 PM MDT on the Pac 12 Network.
The Cougars enter tonight's tilt with a 6-4 record, and are lead by a solid guard duo.
Davonte Lacy averages 20.9 points a game and is shooting 49.2 percent from the field, Royce Woolridge is a transfer from Kansas, and rounds up the duo with 11 points a game.
D.J. Shelton is the Cougars leading rebounder with 7.4 boards a game, and also averages 7.4 points a game as well.
He leads a front court with three players taller than 6'10, featuring 7'0 25 lb Iowa State Transfer Jordan Railey.
It will be a sure test for the Miner bigs who played very well against Northwestern State, with John Bohannon grabbing 13 rebounds, and Cedrick Lang moving brilliantly off the ball setting himself up with 14 points on 7/7 shooting.
Matt Wilms has been quiet the past few games, as he only had 2 points and 1 rebound against New Orleans, though it will Bohannon who can't afford to disappear tonight.
This will be one of the best backcourts the Miners will see in their next stretch of games.
McKenzie Moore returned and scored 17 points, but had four turnovers. Justin Crosgile also had 5 turns, but was steady on defense, something UTEP will need tonight against those active guards.
UTEP Athletics claims this is the first meeting between the two schools, while Washington State says this will be fourth meeting.
Tonight will be the first of a four year series between the two schools, Wazzu will travel to El Paso next season, and actually be UTEP's first opponent to open next season.
As always rebounding will be imperative for a win, though the ultimate key should be taking care of the ball while valuing every possession on the road.
The Miners did a good job of turning defensive rebounds to fast break chances in their last outing.
The Cougar guards while solid all-around, have turned the ball over a lot. UTEP needs to capitalize and execute in the open court, while protecting the rim in a confidence boosting opportunity for win.
Here is your statistical outlook for tonight's game.
Washington St. Cougars
Current Record: 6-4, 0-0, Pac-12
Head Coach: Ken Bone, Record a WSU, 76-69
Projected Starters
DeVonte' Lacy, G, 20.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Royce Woolridge, G, 11.0 ppg
Dexter Kernich-Drew, F, 6.5 ppg
D.J. Shelton, F, 7.4 ppg, 7.4 rebs
Jordan Railey, 12.6 ppg, 6.4 rebs.
Team Stats
| Points Per Game | 71.2 |
| Opponents Points Per Game | 65.3 |
| FG% | .439 |
| Opponents FG% | .443 |
| 3-Point FG% | .319 |
| Opponents 3-point FG% | .385 |
| Free Throw % | .644 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 35.4 |
| Rebound Margin | +3.3 |
| Assist Per Game | 11.9 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 11.1 |
UTEP Miners
Current Record: 6-5, 0-0 C-USA
Projected Starters
McKenzie Moore, G, 14.0 ppg, 4.8 rebs
C.J. Cooper, G, 6.0 ppg
Julian Washburn, F, 10.4 ppg, 4.1 rebs
Cedrick Lang, F, 7.2 ppg, 4.5 rebs
John Bohannon, C, 9.2 ppg, 7.5 rebs
| Points Per Game | 71.8 |
| Opponents Points Per Game | 68.5 |
| FG% | .462 |
| Opponents FG% | .384 |
| 3-Point FG% | .340 |
| Opponents 3-point FG% | .292 |
| Free Throw % | .674 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 36.5 |
| Rebound Margin | -1.1 |
| Assist Per Game | 14.0 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 13.3 |
Make sure to stay tuned to MinerRush for more information on all things UTEP sports, and make sure to Follow @sbnminerrush on Twitter for live updates throughout the game.
We are also bringing you the The Rush 2.0 Post Game Edition on Blog Talk Radio. Click the link and call in at (347)-934-0951 as we discuss the game.
Make sure to stay tuned to MinerRush for more information on all things UTEP sports, and make sure to Follow @sbnminerrush on Twitter for live updates throughout the game.
We are also bringing you the The Rush 2.0 Post Game Edition on Blog Talk Radio. Click the link and call in at (347)-934-0951 as we discuss the game.