Bearkats Edge Miners in Close Contest
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
Sam Houston Bearkats 70, UTEP Miners 66, 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 Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats beat UTEP Miners 70-66 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on February 4, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -650 (about 87% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Sam Houston Bearkats emerged victorious over the UTEP Miners with a final score of 70-66. The game, held at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, showcased the Bearkats' recent form, as they extended their winning streak to six games. Sam Houston's home record stands impressive at 16-7, while UTEP's struggles continue with an away record of 8-15.
The Bearkats have been in strong form lately, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with an average of 78.6 points scored and 72.0 points allowed. Their recent performances have seen them score particularly well, averaging 81.0 points over their last five games while allowing 69.2 points. In contrast, the Miners have faced challenges, recording a 4-6 record in their last ten outings and averaging 66.6 points scored against 71.5 points allowed. UTEP's last five games reflect a slight improvement, with an average of 67.6 points scored and 68.6 points allowed, but they still remain vulnerable on the road.
When considering home and away performances, the Bearkats have excelled at home with a 4-1 record, while UTEP has struggled on the road, managing only one win in four attempts. The historical context of their meetings adds another layer to this matchup; the Bearkats now hold a 2-1 advantage in their last three encounters, including a narrow victory earlier this season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant player absences that affected the game. However, both teams were likely looking to maximize their lineups, given the stakes of the matchup. The odds from DraftKings indicated a spread of -10.5 in favor of Sam Houston, with a total set at 145.5. The home team's moneyline was listed at -650.0, while UTEP's was at 470.0, reflecting the perceived strength of the Bearkats heading into the game.
The conditions in the venue were typical for a college basketball game, with fans in attendance supporting their teams. This atmosphere likely contributed to the intensity of the contest, as both teams fought hard for every point.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, with the score tied at 64 late in the second half. Key moments included a series of free throws from Kashie Natt, who played a crucial role in sealing the victory for the Bearkats. Natt's ability to convert from the line was pivotal, as he scored multiple free throws in the closing moments, helping to maintain the lead as the clock wound down.
Overall, the matchup was a testament to the Bearkats' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Miners showed glimpses of potential but ultimately fell short. The final score reflects a hard-fought battle, highlighting the competitive nature of college basketball.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SHSU -10.5 | 145.5 o -108 / u -112 | UTEP Miners +470 · Sam Houston Bearkats -650 |
Leaders
- PointsPo'Boigh King17Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsPo'Boigh King5Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt12Sam Houston Bearkats
- PointsCaleb Blackwell22UTEP Miners
- AssistsCaleb Blackwell3UTEP Miners
- ReboundsKaseem Watson7UTEP Miners
Recent form
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W678.6 scored · 72 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W83-67vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 1
- W80-71at Missouri State BearsJan 29
- W73-58vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 24
- W93-87vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 22
- W76-63at Florida International PanthersJan 17
- W77-62at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 15
- L74-82vs Liberty FlamesJan 10
- W72-60vs Delaware Blue HensJan 9
- L67-68at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 4
- L91-102at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 2
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 4-6Streak W166.6 scored · 71.5 allowed per game1-3 away
- 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
- 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
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 | Sam Houston Bearkats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-65 | 21-61 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 4-22 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 18 | 30 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 21-27 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 50 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 34 |
| Assists | 7 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 28 |
| Fouls | 19 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 11 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-36Jamal West Jr. makes 2-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-38Veljko Ilic makes layup (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half37-38Kaseem Watson makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half37-40Damon Nicholas Jr. makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half37-42Matt Dann makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-42Caleb Blackwell makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-44Matt Dann makes 1-foot dunk (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Caleb Blackwell makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-47Po'Boigh King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half42-49Jacobe Coleman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-49Kaseem Watson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-52Po'Boigh King makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-53Po'Boigh King makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half44-54Po'Boigh King makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half44-55Po'Boigh King makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half46-55Elijah Jones makes 11-foot jumper (Cassius Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Cassius Brooks makes layup
- 2nd Half50-55Kaseem Watson makes layup (Cassius Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Caleb Blackwell makes layup
- 2nd Half52-56Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-56Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half54-58Matt Dann makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half54-59Matt Dann makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-61Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Jacobe Coleman makes layup (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Caleb Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Caleb Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Kaseem Watson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Caleb Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half60-63Elijah Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Elijah Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Caleb Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-63Caleb Blackwell makes layup
- 2nd Half64-64Po'Boigh King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-65Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-66Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-67Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Caleb Blackwell makes layup
- 2nd Half66-69Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sam Houston Bearkats, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- Bernard G. Johnson ColiseumHuntsville, TX
- Attendance1261
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Olandis Poole, Michael Husted
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- UTEP Miners Defeat Sam Houston Bearkats 35-17Oct 15, 2025