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UTEP, New Mexico renew hoops rivlary

Everyone say it all at once: ITS ABOUT TIME!

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

UTEP and New Mexico will renew the basketball rivalry in 2016 and 2017 after a hiatus stemming from a beef between Tim Floyd, and previous New Mexico head coach Steve Alford.

"It would be hard to argue that the most memorable games in our school's history have been against The University of New Mexico," said UTEP coach Tim Floyd.  "Our fans, and I trust theirs, will welcome this series resuming."

The Miners and the Lobos have played 141 games,  and will meet at "The Pit" in Albuquerque on Dec. 3, 2016, followed by a return game in the Don Haskins Center on Dec. 2, 2017.

UTEP Athletics says in a release that future games are possible.

"I am excited to add UTEP to our schedule," said New Mexico head coach Craig Neal.  "They are a historic and regional rival, and I know our fans are excited for this series as well."

The storied programs have combined to make 32 NCAA Tournament appearances and capture 33 conference titles (21 regular season/12 tournament), and will play each other in the regular season for the first time since 2009.

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