Miners Look To Tune Up Before Start Of Conference Play

With so many questions and rumors surrounding the UTEP men's basketball team, the Miners host a glorified practice session in the form an exhibition game against the Division 2 Angelo St. Rams.

The status of Jalen Ragland and McKenzie Moore stills remains a complete mystery, as several reserves will get a chance to earn important minutes tonight leading into the opening of conference play next Thursday against the Charlotte 49ers.

Floyd said before yesterday's practice that guys like Tevin Caldwell, Jake Flaggart, Hooper Vint, and Matt Wilms will all see significant minutes, with the usual's getting a blow for the night.

This will be a good measuring stick for these guys whom will see their roles increase, the Rams are not cupcakes, and will provide a good look for the coaches.

Angelo State features Kenny Williams who at one point was committed and signed to the Miners, then for whatever reasons did not make it here.

He averages 17 points and 8 rebounds for the 10-2 Rams who were ranked in the top-25 in Division 2 this season.

The Miners have used the old Haskins adage of winning games with defense and rebounding in improving to 10-5, drastically improving the rebounding margin during this five game winning streak, while holding their last two opponents to under 40 percent from the floor.

Flaggart played great defense in his increased minutes in the Sun Bowl tourney, his confidence on offense is something to watch tonight, along with the hard working Caldwell who figures to have his role increase as well depending on how things go tonight.

After a great start to the season, Matt Wilms has been troubled by the whistle, and unable to provide the production that was expected after the first game of the season. Though he still shows great promise, and will certainly benefit with the extra minutes in the confidence department as well, the future is definitely bright for big Matt.

This is also an exhibition for the Angelo State as they open their conference slate next week too.

Its pretty much conference time so the million dollar question is are the Miners ready for the challenge?