UTEP Miners Triumph in Overtime Against Middle Tennessee
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Don Haskins Center
UTEP Miners 83, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 80, 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 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs UTEP Miners?
UTEP Miners beat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 83-80 at Don Haskins Center on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs UTEP Miners?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the UTEP Miners defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 83-80 at the Don Haskins Center. This victory marks a significant moment for UTEP, which had been struggling recently with a home record of 5-10 and a dismal 2-8 in their last ten games, including a three-game losing streak prior to this matchup. The Miners averaged 66.4 points scored while allowing 74.1 points over their last ten games, showcasing a defense that has been vulnerable throughout the season.
On the other hand, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders entered the game with a record of 9-6 and had shown better recent form, going 6-4 in their last ten games and riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 72.7 points scored and allowed 70.7 points during this stretch, indicating a more balanced performance compared to UTEP. However, Middle Tennessee struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-2 this season.
The two teams had met twice in the previous season, with Middle Tennessee winning both encounters. In their last meeting on March 1, 2025, UTEP narrowly lost 75-76 at home, and earlier that season, they fell 68-71 away. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the contest, as UTEP sought to break the losing streak against their rivals.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the recent struggles of UTEP could suggest issues affecting their performance. The game was anticipated to be competitive, with DraftKings setting the odds at Middle Tennessee favored by 3.5 points, indicating a close matchup. The total points line was set at 137.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. As the game unfolded, UTEP's defense was tested, but they managed to hold off Middle Tennessee in a tight contest that required extra time to determine the winner. The Miners' ability to execute in clutch moments proved pivotal, particularly in overtime, where they capitalized on free throw opportunities to secure the win.
Key moments in the overtime included crucial free throws made by Sean Smith and Kaseem Watson, who combined to score multiple points from the charity stripe. The final minutes showcased the Miners' resilience and determination, traits that had been missing in their previous outings. The victory not only boosts UTEP's morale but also serves as a reminder of their potential when playing at home.
Overall, this matchup was significant for both teams, highlighting UTEP's need to build on this win as they look to improve their season record and for Middle Tennessee to reassess their approach on the road. The game concluded with UTEP emerging victorious, a much-needed boost for a team that has faced challenges this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -3.5 | 137.5 o -112 / u -108 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -185 · UTEP Miners +154 |
Leaders
- PointsKaseem Watson23UTEP Miners
- AssistsKJ Thomas4UTEP Miners
- ReboundsLA Hayes10UTEP Miners
- PointsChris Loofe16Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsJahvin Carter7Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsJahvin Carter8Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Recent form
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 2-8Streak L366.4 scored · 74.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L64-76at Florida International PanthersJan 4
- L55-79at Missouri State BearsJan 3
- L63-75at Louisiana Tech BulldogsDec 30
- W76-66vs North Dakota State BisonDec 23
- L71-72vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 22
- L61-66at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsDec 14
- L68-75at Seattle U RedhawksDec 8
- L59-75at UAB BlazersNov 25
- L63-74vs William & Mary TribeNov 24
- W84-83vs St. Thomas (TX) CeltsNov 20
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 6-4Streak W272.7 scored · 70.7 allowed per game0-2 away
- W68-67vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 4
- W88-51vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 3
- L60-69at Houston CougarsDec 30
- W74-58vs Cumberland PhoenixDec 21
- W68-67vs Kennesaw State OwlsDec 18
- L62-83vs Belmont BruinsDec 7
- W76-61vs UAB BlazersDec 2
- L62-72at McNeese CowboysNov 25
- L79-92vs George Washington RevolutionariesNov 24
- W90-87vs Murray State RacersNov 24
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 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | UTEP Miners |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-59 | 25-58 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 42 |
| Free throws | 15-17 | 25-36 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 13 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 30 |
| Fouls | 28 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 79 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half55-52Elijah Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (LA Hayes assists)
- 2nd Half57-52Chris Loofe makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half57-54Kaseem Watson makes layup
- 2nd Half59-54Jahvin Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-55KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-55Chris Loofe makes layup (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half62-55Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-56KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-56Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-56Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-57Mouhamed Mbaye makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-57Luka Jovanovic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-58LA Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-59LA Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-60LA Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61LA Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-63KJ Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-65Jamal West Jr. makes 7-foot jumper (LA Hayes assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-66Chris Loofe makes 7-foot dunk (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Kaseem Watson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cassius Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Chris Loofe makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half71-71Jamal West Jr. makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-73Elijah Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-73Sean Smith makes driving layup
- OT74-73Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT74-75Elijah Jones makes 6-foot dunk (KJ Thomas assists)
- OT74-76Elijah Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT74-77Elijah Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT74-78Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT76-78Sean Smith makes 10-foot jumper
- OT76-79LA Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT77-79Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT78-79Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT78-80Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT78-81Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT79-81Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT80-81Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT80-82Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT80-83Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UTEP Miners, below favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Venue
- Don Haskins CenterEl Paso, TX
- Attendance4368
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Chuck Jones, Stephen Orkus Jr
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- 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