UTEP women's basketball: Miners bounce back with 72-56 trouncing of FIU

Cameasha Turner scored eight of UTEP's first 14 points, finishing with a game high 26 points to lead the Miners past FIU 72-56 snapping their six game losing streak.

Turner is in the midst of a personal scoring streak where she has scored 18 points or more in her last three games, helping UTEP shoot 40 percent for the game as the Miners trailed for a stretch of only 1:48 in the opening stages of the afternoon tilt.

Thanks to Turner's hot start, the Miners jumped out to a 14-4 lead, and never looked back as 32 of their 39 first half points came from inside the paint to take a commanding 39-25 lead at the half.

UTEP would further extend their lead in the second half thanks to a 11-1 run capped off by a Lulu McKinney layup to put the Miners in front 52-32 at the 13:29 mark of the second half after FIU crept within ten.

Stacie Telles stuffed the stat sheet with five points, six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, Rudiane Eduardo added nine points, and Lawana Kennedy was 3/4 from the field adding eight points in the win.

The Miners shot 15/20 from the free throw line, forced 25 FIU turnovers that led to 25 points for UTEP off FIU miscues, and also out scored FIU 48-28 in the paint.

Denstini Feagan was the only FIU player in double figures with 10 points, Marita Davydova hauled in a game high 16 rebounds, and finished with nine points. FIU shot 37.5 percent from the field, and 2/10 from deep, although they did win the battle of the boards with a 44-38 edge.

UTEP lead by as much as 27 with 8:23 left in the second half to mark their largest lead they have held during C-USA play.

A much needed confidence gaining win for UTEP as they improve to 9-11 overall, and 4-7 in Conference USA action.

The Miners will now take on the task of three straight on the road starting with Charlotte next Thursday night at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time.