Missouri State Bears Dominate UTEP Miners in 79-55 Victory
Friday, January 2, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Great Southern Bank Arena
Missouri State Bears 79, UTEP Miners 55, 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 Missouri State Bears?
Missouri State Bears beat UTEP Miners 79-55 at Great Southern Bank Arena on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Missouri State Bears?
Missouri State Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
The Missouri State Bears delivered a commanding performance against the UTEP Miners, securing a decisive 79-55 victory at the Great Southern Bank Arena. This matchup showcased the Bears' recent resurgence, highlighted by a three-game winning streak leading into the contest, while the Miners continued to struggle, having lost their last game and only winning two of their last ten.
Missouri State's record improved to 9-5 with this win, bolstered by their strong home performance, where they now hold a record of 5-2. The Bears averaged 68.6 points over their last ten games while allowing 70.9 points, indicating a competitive edge on both ends of the floor. Their last five games showed a record of 3-2, with an average score of 65.0 points scored and 68.6 points allowed. The Bears' recent form has been characterized by their ability to score effectively, particularly at home, where they have been more successful than on the road.
In contrast, UTEP's struggles continued, as they fell to a record of 4-10. The Miners have only managed to win two of their last ten games, with a scoring average of 65.4 points and an average of 73.2 points allowed. Their away record remains troubling at 0-5, reflecting their difficulties in hostile environments. UTEP's last five games resulted in a record of 1-4, with an average of 67.8 points scored and 70.8 points allowed, further underscoring their challenges this season.
The Bears and Miners had met previously this season, but the outcome of that game was not detailed in the provided information. However, the current form of both teams suggests that Missouri State entered this game as the clear favorite. The odds from DraftKings reflected this sentiment, with Missouri State favored by 3.5 points and a total set at 131.5. The moneyline odds indicated Missouri State at -162.0 and UTEP at 136.0, further emphasizing the disparity in expectations for the matchup.
In terms of player contributions, the game featured notable scoring plays, particularly in the second half. KJ Thomas was active at the free-throw line, making several crucial shots that contributed to the Bears' lead. Zaxton King also added a 10-foot jumper, while Trey Horton III showcased his long-range shooting with a 24-foot three-pointer. Kobi Williams capped off the scoring with another three-pointer, solidifying the Bears' dominance as the game progressed.
The conditions in the arena were favorable for a high-energy game, and Missouri State capitalized on their home court advantage. Their ability to control the pace and execute plays effectively was evident throughout the match. The Bears' defensive efforts limited UTEP's scoring opportunities, leading to a significant gap in the final score.
Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two programs, with Missouri State solidifying their position as a competitive team in the league while UTEP continues to seek answers to their ongoing struggles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how both teams adjust in their upcoming games, particularly as Missouri State looks to maintain their winning momentum and UTEP aims to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MOST -3.5 | 131.5 o -110 / u -110 | UTEP Miners +136 · Missouri State Bears -162 |
Leaders
- PointsKobi Williams20Missouri State Bears
- AssistsKeith Palek III5Missouri State Bears
- ReboundsMichael Osei-Bonsu7Missouri State Bears
- PointsElijah Jones12UTEP Miners
- AssistsKJ Thomas6UTEP Miners
- ReboundsElijah Jones5UTEP Miners
Recent form
Missouri State Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak W368.6 scored · 70.9 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W61-43at Delaware Blue HensDec 29
- W70-65vs Lindenwood LionsDec 23
- W63-62vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesDec 17
- L57-75at Xavier MusketeersDec 13
- L74-98at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 6
- W92-71vs Northeastern State RiverHawksNov 30
- L61-75vs Long Island University SharksNov 25
- W74-67vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosNov 22
- L49-67at UT Arlington MavericksNov 15
- L85-86vs Arkansas State Red WolvesNov 12
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 2-8Streak L165.4 scored · 73.2 allowed per game0-5 away
- 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
- L51-75at Utah State AggiesNov 15
- L58-71vs Loyola Marymount LionsNov 12
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 | Missouri State Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-48 | 26-49 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 4-15 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 42 |
| Free throws | 13-20 | 19-26 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 13 | 19 |
| Assists | 8 | 16 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 14 | 28 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 28 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half23-49Darrion Sutton makes layup
- 2nd Half23-50Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half23-51Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half25-51Kaseem Watson makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half25-52Kobi Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-52Elijah Jones makes 0-foot dunk (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half28-52KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-52KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-52Kaseem Watson makes layup (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half33-52Elijah Jones makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half33-53Keith Palek III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-53Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half35-55Zaxton King makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half37-55Cassius Brooks makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half38-55Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-55Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-55Jamal West Jr. makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-55Jamal West Jr. makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half43-58Trey Williams Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Antwan Burnett assists)
- 2nd Half46-58Trey Horton III makes 23-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half46-59Antwan Burnett makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half46-62Kobi Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half46-64Darrion Sutton makes 1-foot dunk (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half47-64KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-66Michael Osei-Bonsu makes layup
- 2nd Half47-67Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-68Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-69Kobi Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-70Kobi Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-72Kobi Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half47-73Kobi Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-74Kobi Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-74KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-74KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-74KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-74KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-76Zaxton King makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-76Trey Horton III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-76Trey Horton III makes 24-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half55-79Kobi Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Missouri State Bears, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- Great Southern Bank ArenaSpringfield, MO
- Attendance1846
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Landon Brandes, Kellen Miliner
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Missouri State Bears Edge UTEP Miners 62-57Jan 24, 2026
- Missouri State Bears Defeat UTEP Miners 38-24Nov 15, 2025