UTEP Miners Secure Victory Over Kennesaw State Owls
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Don Haskins Center
UTEP Miners 78, Kennesaw State Owls 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Kennesaw State Owls vs UTEP Miners?
UTEP Miners beat Kennesaw State Owls 78-71 at Don Haskins Center on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs UTEP Miners?
Kennesaw State Owls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a notable matchup at the Don Haskins Center, the UTEP Miners triumphed over the Kennesaw State Owls with a final score of 78-71. This game was particularly significant as it marked a turnaround for UTEP, who had been struggling in their recent outings, while Kennesaw State was riding a four-game winning streak.
Entering the game, UTEP held a record of 11-19, having won only 3 of their last 10 games, and were on a four-game losing streak. Throughout this stretch, they averaged 67.1 points scored per game while allowing 72.2 points. Their recent performances included a series of losses, with the most recent defeat coming against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where they lost 65-97. UTEP's home record was 2-3 in their last five games, with an average of 65.6 points scored and 75.6 points allowed.
On the other hand, Kennesaw State entered the game with an 18-12 record, having won 6 of their last 10 games and boasting a four-game winning streak. Their scoring average during this period was 76.1 points, while they allowed 74.3 points per game. Kennesaw State's last victory came against the Delaware Blue Hens, where they won 90-82. Their away record in the last five games was 1-2, with an average of 78.4 points scored and 74.4 points allowed.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, splitting their two encounters. UTEP won the first meeting 73-71 at home, while Kennesaw State took the second game 83-73 on their home court. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were looking to field their strongest lineups given the importance of the game. The market had Kennesaw State favored by 3.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 148.5. The odds for Kennesaw State to win straight up were -185, while UTEP's moneyline was set at +154.
The conditions for the game were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams eager to secure a win to bolster their standings. Fans were treated to a competitive contest that saw UTEP take control in the second half, ultimately sealing the victory.
Key moments in the game included a series of free throws from Kaseem Watson and KJ Thomas, which helped UTEP maintain their lead in the closing minutes. Jaden Harris also contributed significantly with a crucial three-point jumper that put the game out of reach for Kennesaw State, who had been attempting to mount a comeback.
With this victory, UTEP not only snapped their losing streak but also demonstrated resilience against a team that had been performing well. The Miners will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while Kennesaw State will need to regroup after this setback.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENN -3.5 | 148.5 o -110 / u -110 | Kennesaw State Owls -185 · UTEP Miners +154 |
Leaders
- PointsJamal West Jr.28UTEP Miners
- AssistsKaseem Watson3UTEP Miners
- ReboundsElijah Jones8UTEP Miners
- PointsBraedan Lue15Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsKaden Rickard5Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman16Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 3-7Streak L467.1 scored · 72.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L65-97at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 28
- L67-77at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 27
- L63-67at New Mexico State AggiesFeb 22
- L64-73vs Liberty FlamesFeb 14
- W69-64at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 12
- W91-88vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 8
- L66-70at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 5
- W70-55vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 1
- L59-69vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 29
- L57-62vs Missouri State BearsJan 24
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak W476.1 scored · 74.3 allowed per game1-2 away
- W90-82vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 28
- W74-65vs Liberty FlamesFeb 27
- W58-55vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 21
- W91-87at Missouri State BearsFeb 19
- L79-83vs Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 14
- L87-90vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 12
- L58-77at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 8
- W76-53vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 31
- W72-69vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 29
- L76-82at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | Kennesaw State Owls | UTEP Miners |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-65 | 24-57 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 3-23 | 8-21 |
| Three-point % | 13 | 38 |
| Free throws | 24-35 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 32 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 28 |
| Fouls | 20 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 4 | 88 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-44Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-44Amir Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-46Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-51Elijah Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (LA Hayes assists)
- 2nd Half44-53Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half45-53Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Jamal West Jr. makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-57LA Hayes makes layup
- 2nd Half46-59Jamal West Jr. makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-59Perry Smith Jr. makes driving layup (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-59Perry Smith Jr. makes layup (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-62LA Hayes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half51-62Perry Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-65LA Hayes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half52-65Kaden Rickard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-65Kaden Rickard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-65Braedan Lue makes layup (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half55-67LA Hayes makes driving layup (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half56-67Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-67Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-67Kaden Rickard makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-68Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-69Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-69Braedan Lue makes layup (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half61-71Jamal West Jr. makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-71Frankquon Sherman makes 5-foot dunk (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half65-71Braedan Lue makes 6-foot jumper (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half65-72LA Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-74LA Hayes makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half67-74Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half67-75Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-76Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-76Jaden Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-78KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-78Jaden Harris makes 29-foot three point jumper (Kaden Rickard assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UTEP Miners, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Don Haskins CenterEl Paso, TX
- Attendance3705
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Todd Austin, Michael Wallace
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond