New Mexico State Edges UTEP in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Pan American Center
New Mexico State Aggies 67, UTEP Miners 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won UTEP Miners vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies beat UTEP Miners 67-63 at Pan American Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -310 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the New Mexico State Aggies defeated the UTEP Miners 67-63 at the Pan American Center. This victory was crucial for the Aggies, who improved their record to 14-13, while the Miners fell to 10-18. The game showcased the competitive nature of these two teams, who have a history of close encounters.
New Mexico State entered this game with a mixed record of 3-7 over their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after a victory against Jacksonville State. They averaged 75.2 points scored and allowed 75.6 points during this stretch. Their recent form at home had been less than stellar, with a 0-4 record in their last four home games. In contrast, the UTEP Miners had a more balanced recent record of 5-5, although they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to Liberty. UTEP averaged 69.8 points scored and allowed 70.7 points in their last ten games.
The Aggies' home record stood at 7-7 for the season, while the Miners had a 3-10 record on the road. This home advantage was evident in the game, as New Mexico State managed to hold off UTEP despite the Miners' strong performance earlier in the season, where they had defeated the Aggies 91-88 just two weeks prior.
In terms of their head-to-head meetings, New Mexico State had won only one of the last three encounters against UTEP. Their previous matchups included a close 66-63 loss at home in February 2025 and a decisive 85-57 victory on the road in January 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to assert dominance in this rivalry.
Injuries were not reported as a significant factor in this matchup, allowing both teams to field their regular lineups. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had New Mexico State favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The Aggies' moneyline was priced at -310, while UTEP's was at 250, reflecting the perceived strength of the home team.
The conditions in the arena were typical for a late February matchup, with a lively crowd supporting the Aggies. The atmosphere was charged, contributing to the competitive spirit on the court. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to several key scoring plays that defined the outcome. Notably, Jemel Jones made crucial free throws in the closing moments, extending the Aggies' lead to 67-63, sealing the victory.
Overall, this game was a testament to the fierce rivalry between New Mexico State and UTEP, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of college basketball.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NMSU -7.5 | 142.5 o -110 / u -110 | UTEP Miners +250 · New Mexico State Aggies -310 |
Leaders
- PointsJemel Jones21New Mexico State Aggies
- AssistsGabe Pickens5New Mexico State Aggies
- ReboundsJae'Coby Osborne9New Mexico State Aggies
- PointsJamal West Jr.22UTEP Miners
- AssistsCaleb Blackwell3UTEP Miners
- ReboundsKaseem Watson10UTEP Miners
Recent form
New Mexico State Aggies
Last 10: 3-7Streak W175.2 scored · 75.6 allowed per game0-4 at home
- W79-70at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 14
- L75-77vs Liberty FlamesFeb 12
- L88-91at UTEP MinersFeb 8
- W72-63at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 5
- L53-76at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 31
- L64-73vs Delaware Blue HensJan 29
- L78-81vs Florida International PanthersJan 24
- L75-84vs Missouri State BearsJan 23
- W97-68at Delaware Blue HensJan 17
- L71-73at Liberty FlamesJan 15
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 5-5Streak L169.8 scored · 70.7 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W83-77vs Florida International PanthersJan 23
- L69-80at Liberty FlamesJan 17
- W70-69at Delaware Blue HensJan 16
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 | New Mexico State Aggies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-55 | 27-66 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 8-27 | 8-26 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 31 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 5-7 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 24 |
| Assists | 5 | 14 |
| Steals | 2 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 32 |
| Fouls | 11 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 26 | 70 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-35Julius Mims makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half27-35KJ Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half27-37Jae'Coby Osborne makes layup (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half29-37Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half29-39Julius Mims makes 2-foot dunk (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half29-40Julius Mims makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half31-40Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half31-42Jae'Coby Osborne makes layup (Jemel Jones assists)
- 2nd Half32-42Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-42Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-42Caleb Blackwell makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-44Chris Terrell makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-44Elijah Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamal West Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half39-44Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-44Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-46Augustine Ekwe makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half41-46Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-46Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-46Jamal West Jr. makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half44-47Julius Mims makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-50Elijah Elliott makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jae'Coby Osborne assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Jemel Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half48-53LA Hayes makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-53Elijah Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half50-55Jemel Jones makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-57Augustine Ekwe makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half53-57LA Hayes makes 25-foot three point jumper (Caleb Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Jae'Coby Osborne makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-59Kaseem Watson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caleb Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Anthony Wrzeszcz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-63Augustine Ekwe makes 5-foot hook shot (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Caleb Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal West Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half60-63Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Jemel Jones makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-65Caleb Blackwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-66Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-67Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Mexico State Aggies, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- Pan American CenterLas Cruces, NM
- Attendance7606
- OfficialsCraig Murley, Kevin Mathis, Landon Brandes
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
- UTEP Miners Edge New Mexico State in Overtime ThrillerFeb 7, 2026
- Aggies Edge Miners in Close ContestNov 22, 2025