UTEP Continues to Roll, Drops Old Dominion 63-49

It was somewhat of a circus night. A handful of Old Dominion fans were ejected, 52 fouls were whistled, 67 free throws were attempted, and despite it all the Miners prevailed 63-49.

UTEP started the game on a 10-2 run in which four different Miners scored, and truth be told, never looked back from there. The Monarchs would scrap to stay within striking distance, but never really threatened the Miners in the first twenty.

The Miners would eventually hold as large as a 12 point lead in the first half at 28-16 after a pair of Julian Washburn threes, and would take a 10 point lead into the intermission.

Five quick points by Washburn out of the break would open the Miners lead to 13 just a minute into the second half, and they would continue to coast from there.

By the 12 minute mark, the Miners led by 16, and while Old Dominion would cut the lead to 11 just moments later, they wouldn't be able to come any closer than that. UTEP led by as many 19 in the final eight minutes, and in the end walked away with the 63-49 win.

The Miners were led by John Bohannon, who finished the night with a game high 19 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Julian Washburn had 18 of his own, but those were the only two Miners to score in double figures. Cedrick Lang finished with 8 points and 6 boards.

Old Dominion didn't have a single player score in double figures, but both Keenan Palmore and Ambrose Mosley finished with 8 apiece, respectively. Denzell Taylor and Jordan Baker each had 6.

The Monarchs were able to win the rebounding battle against a much larger Miners' team, finishing with a 38-32 advantage. That also included 20 offensive rebounds.

UTEP shot a solid 48.7% from the field, while holding ODU to an ice cold 25.5%, as the Monarchs hit just 12 of their 47 shot attempts. Both teams made 22 free throws, with UTEP attempting 32, and Old Dominion 35.

It was another impressive performance by the Miners. They continue to play hard, and play with poise and maturity no matter what is thrown their way each game.

Thursday, it was Vince Hunter who was sidelined the majority of the game with foul trouble, and the Miners overcame. Tonight, starting point guard, and only scholarship point guard at that, C.J. Cooper picked up three fouls in the first three minutes of the game.

The Miners were not phased. They stuck to their gameplan, found production from others on the court, and most importantly continued to play well defensively, en route to their 8th straight conference win.

That win improves the Miners to 18-6 on the season, and 8-1 in Conference USA play, again leaving the Miners alone atop the league. Southern Miss, who is a half game behind, was idle tonight, but will play tomorrow at home against Charlotte.

The Miners will now return home for a pair of matchups against C-USA's two Florida schools, with a date against Florida Atlantic Thursday, and Florida International on Saturday.

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