NCAAB · Final

Liberty Flames Defeat UTEP Miners 80-69

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Liberty Arena (VA)

Liberty Flames 80, UTEP Miners 69, 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 UTEP Miners vs Liberty Flames?

Liberty Flames beat UTEP Miners 80-69 at Liberty Arena (VA) on January 17, 2026.

Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Liberty Flames?

Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive matchup at Liberty Arena, the Liberty Flames secured a solid 80-69 victory over the UTEP Miners. This game showcased the Flames' impressive form, extending their winning streak to nine games, while the Miners struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Liberty entered the contest with a home record of 15-3 and a recent run of 9-1 over their last ten games, while UTEP's record stood at 6-12, with a more challenging 3-7 in their last ten outings.

Liberty's performance has been characterized by a strong offensive display, averaging 77.9 points scored per game in their last ten, while allowing 69.0 points. Their recent games reflect this trend, with notable victories including a close win against New Mexico State Aggies on January 15, where they triumphed 73-71, and a commanding 97-94 win against Florida International Panthers on December 28. The Flames have been particularly dominant at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games, averaging 77.2 points while allowing 68.6.

In contrast, UTEP has had a tougher road this season, with an away record of 1-5 in their last six games. They averaged 66.7 points scored and allowed 72.6 during their last ten games, indicating a struggle to keep pace with opponents. Their recent victory against Delaware Blue Hens on January 16, where they won 70-69, was a rare highlight in an otherwise challenging stretch.

The historical context of this matchup adds another layer of intrigue, as Liberty holds a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head meetings against UTEP. The Flames won both encounters in the 2025 season, including a decisive 81-60 victory on March 12, further solidifying their dominance over the Miners.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have had their share of challenges this season. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of a game, and fans were keen to see how both teams would adapt.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, indicated a strong favor for Liberty, with a spread of -13.5 and a total set at 137.5. The home money line was listed at -1350, while UTEP's was at 800, reflecting the Flames' strong position heading into the game.

Conditions during the game were typical for January in Virginia, with the indoor environment of Liberty Arena providing a controlled setting for the players. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, with Liberty's home crowd providing significant support.

As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments that defined the outcome. In the second half, Zach Cleveland made a driving layup, showcasing UTEP's efforts to mount a comeback as they trailed 75-60. Caleb Blackwell's 26-foot three-point step back jumper brought the score to 75-63, but Liberty maintained their composure. Kaden Metheny's driving layup pushed the Flames' lead to 80-64, and despite UTEP's attempts to close the gap, including Elijah Jones' late contributions, Liberty's lead proved insurmountable.

Overall, this matchup highlighted the Flames' current form and their ability to capitalize on home advantage, while UTEP continues to seek consistency as they navigate a challenging season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	LIB -13.5	137.5 o -112 / u -108	UTEP Miners +800 · Liberty Flames -1350

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsZach Cleveland20Liberty Flames
AssistsZach Cleveland3Liberty Flames
ReboundsZach Cleveland6Liberty Flames
PointsElijah Jones21UTEP Miners
AssistsCaleb Blackwell7UTEP Miners
ReboundsElijah Jones7UTEP Miners

Recent form

Liberty Flames

Last 10: 9-1Streak W877.9 scored · 69 allowed per game5-0 at home

W73-71vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 15
W82-74at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 10
W72-56at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 9
W78-69vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 4
W81-73vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 3
W97-94at Florida International PanthersDec 28
W64-61at Dayton FlyersDec 20
W95-57vs Midway EaglesDec 16
L45-85at NC State WolfpackDec 11
W92-50vs Coppin State EaglesDec 6

UTEP Miners

Last 10: 3-7Streak W166.7 scored · 72.6 allowed per game1-5 away

W70-69at Delaware Blue HensJan 16
L56-68vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 10
W83-80vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 9
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

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
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
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

Box score

Stat	UTEP Miners	Liberty Flames
Field goals	28-51	32-54
Field goal %	55	59
Three-pointers	11-23	7-20
Three-point %	48	35
Free throws	2-4	9-11
Free throw %	50	82
Rebounds	21	23
Offensive rebounds	3	4
Defensive rebounds	18	19
Assists	15	13
Steals	4	7
Blocks	2	5
Turnovers	13	6
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	19
Fast-break points	7	2
Points in the paint	22	46
Fouls	10	7
Largest lead	1	17
Lead changes	2	2
Time in front	1	95

How the scoring went

1st Half32-39Caleb Blackwell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jamal West Jr. assists)
1st Half32-41Kaden Metheny makes layup
1st Half35-41Caleb Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaseem Watson assists)
1st Half38-41Caleb Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half38-43JJ Harper makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half40-43Kaseem Watson makes 7-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half42-43Caleb Blackwell makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half42-45Zach Cleveland makes layup (Kaden Metheny assists)
2nd Half44-45Jamal West Jr. makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Caleb Blackwell assists)
2nd Half44-47Colin Porter makes layup
2nd Half46-47Elijah Jones makes 20-foot jumper
2nd Half46-49JJ Harper makes layup (Colin Porter assists)
2nd Half49-49Caleb Blackwell makes 29-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
2nd Half49-50Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half49-51Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half49-53Colin Porter makes layup
2nd Half51-53Elijah Jones makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Caleb Blackwell assists)
2nd Half51-55Zach Cleveland makes layup (JJ Harper assists)
2nd Half51-58Brett Decker Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
2nd Half51-60Zach Cleveland makes layup (Kaden Metheny assists)
2nd Half54-60Kaseem Watson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trey Horton III assists)
2nd Half54-62Brett Decker Jr. makes driving layup
2nd Half54-63Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half54-65Kaden Metheny makes layup
2nd Half54-68Colin Porter makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half57-68Trey Horton III makes 24-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
2nd Half58-68Elijah Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-69Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-71Josh Smith makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
2nd Half58-72Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half58-73Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-73Kaseem Watson makes layup (Caleb Blackwell assists)
2nd Half60-75Zach Cleveland makes driving layup (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
2nd Half63-75Caleb Blackwell makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
2nd Half63-76Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-76Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-78Kaden Metheny makes driving layup
2nd Half64-80Kaden Metheny makes driving layup
2nd Half67-80Elijah Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Caleb Blackwell assists)
2nd Half69-80Elijah Jones makes layup (Caleb Blackwell assists)