Miners have worst offensive performance at home in 53-35 loss

UTEP continued their struggles offensively, in their post play and against Southland Conference teams, falling to their second opponent from the league, Stephen F. Austin, Nov. 26 at the Don Haskins Center.

"Really disappointed at what we were unable to get into the game," head coach Tim Floyd said. "Offensive execution was bad, when we did execute, we'd get the ball to the rim and couldn't finish."

In the second half, UTEP made just five field goals, going nearly five minutes between made field goals until sophomore guard Michael Perez hit a three with 9:30 remaining. The Miners went another three minutes until freshman forward Julian Washburn hit a layup.

"Offensively, it's an event when we come down the floor," Floyd said. "We're not sure where the baskets are going to come from and whether we'll executer properly or whether the guy we run the action for will rise up and go make a shot."

No Miner scored in double figures but they were led by Washburn who had nine points and five rebounds.

"We weren't executing today. It really is what happened. We weren't executing as a team, weren't talking," Washburn said. "When we don't run the plays right, that's what happens."

The 35-point total was the lowest UTEP has scored at the Don Haskins Center since they totaled 41 against Villanova in 1980.

The only offensive spark the Miners saw in the first half came in the first two minutes of the game. They made two of their first three shots and took a 4-0 lead at the 18:00 mark.

SFA answered with 12-consecutive points with senior center Jereal Scott contributing for eight. UTEP missed seven shots during that span, turning the ball over twice. The Miners scored six of the next eight but the Lumberjacks answered with seven in a row to take a 21-10 lead with 7:51 remaining in the half.

Scott finished the half with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting. UTEP ended the half shooting 32 percent, as compared to the Lumberjacks' 50 percent from the field. Both teams went a combined 0-for-9 from three-point range. He finished with 17 points and two rebounds in the game. SFA outrebounded the Miners 35-23, including 12-6 on the offensive boards.

"The defensive board was still a problem and that was a 6(-foot) 5(-inch), 6(-foot) 6(-inch) team that we were playing against," Floyd said. "Their center looked like Bill Russell out there in the first half."

Junior guard Jacques Streeter felt the lack of rebounding also contributed to their defensive performance, which allowed the Lumberjacks to shoot 48.9 percent from the field and hold a 30-14 advantage in the paint.

"The last stage of the defense is rebounding and if you don't box out your man, run back to the rim and it bounces long, you miss out so we just have to do a better job at blocking out and going and securing the rebound," junior guard Jacques Streeter said.

The loss was the second the Miners had to a Southland Conference squad this year, the first coming against UT-San Antonio Oct. 11 at the Don Haskins Center when they fell 73-64.

UTEP will resume play Nov. 29 when they take on Pac-12 opponent Oregon in Eugene.

William Vega may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.