The UTEP's women's basketball team sent a message in the opening minutes of their 98-63 rout of Houston Baptist.
They're athletic, they're deep, they have size, they can score, and will be a force in Conference USA this season.
Cameasha Turner led three Miners in double-figures with a game high 20 points, 11 of which came in the first five minutes of the game. Turner also added six steals and was 8-of-10 from the field.
UTEP opened in an aggressive full court 2-1-2 press and forced five turnovers before Houston Baptist even attempted a single field goal. The Miners sprinted out to an early 20-4 lead after Jenzel Nash found Cameasha Turner right under the basket for a fast break layup at the 5:35 mark of the first quarter.
The Miners shot 81% in the first quarter, forced 20 first half Houston Baptist turnovers, and took a commanding 36-14 lead after the first ten minutes of play.
UTEP continued the strong play into the second half as Lulu McKinney dropped in a wide open three pointer from the left wing to give UTEP 72-43 going away lead at the 3:29 mark of the third quarter
Outscoring Houston Baptist 31-14 in the third quarter, UTEP led by 40 at the 1:47 mark of of the fourth quarter which was the largest lead of the afternoon.
The only negative stat line was UTEP's 21 turnovers, though they set the school record for points scored in a season opener. UTEP also blocked seven shots, and out rebounded the Huskies 36-34.
Sparkle Taylor added 15 points, Jenzel Nash chipped in 11 points, Lulu McKinney scored nine points and pulled in four rebounds, while Starr Breedlove dished out five assists.
UTEP shot 54 percent from the field, and cashed in on 33 points off of 33 Houston Baptist turnovers to start the season 1-0.
The early out of conference slate continues next Tuesday as UTEP hosts Northern Arizona the 7:05 p.m. in the Don Haskins Center.