UTEP Women’s Basketball rolls over Houston Baptist 75-45

Tamara Seda recorded a double double with 18 points, and 15 rebounds, while Sparkle Taylor added 21 points for the Miners who rolled over Houston Baptist 75-45 to snap their losing slide.

UTEP shot just 38.8 percent from the field in the game, but Seda collected eight of UTEP’s 18 offensive rebounds leading to 12 second chance points, as HBU did not have an answer for the talented 6’4 post.

The Miners jumped out to a 6-1 lead early on, and won the first quarter 15-11, then Seda and Taylor took over to give UTEP a halftime cushion.

Both squads battled to open the second quarter as an inside bucket from Seda put UTEP ahead 24-21 at the 6:29 mark before halftime.

Seda and Taylor then assaulted the nets the rest of the half, helping UTEP out score the Huskies 14-6 in the final five minutes of the half taking a 38-27 lead at halftime.

UTEP flexed a defensive muscle in the third quarter, holding HBU to just eight points in the third, and a 17.6 percent clip from the field for the entire second half.

Shooting struggles continue to plague UTEP in stretches, but the Miners went 21-of-27 from the free throw line with guard Najala Howell going a perfect 8-for-8 from the line.

UTEP pounded the paint with a 40-12 advantage in points in the paint, and won the rebounding war 49-45.

Katarina Zec added 10 points, while Howell finished with eight points all via the free throw line.

The young Miners gained some huge confidence back in Wednesday’s win after facing three consecutive Power Five school opponents in the Paradise Jam, and improve to 2-5 overall on the young season.

One of the main focuses over the next week will be in the classroom as UTEP takes a lengthy break until December 11th when they face New Mexico.