Western Kentucky Dominates UTEP in 97-65 Victory
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 97, UTEP Miners 65, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat UTEP Miners 97-65 at E.A. Diddle Arena on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive performance, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers triumphed over the UTEP Miners with a final score of 97-65. This victory marks the Hilltoppers' fifth consecutive win, solidifying their strong form as they head into the latter part of the season. The game took place at E.A. Diddle Arena, where Western Kentucky boasts a solid home record of 18-11, while UTEP finishes the season with a disappointing away record of 10-19.
Western Kentucky's recent form has been impressive, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They have averaged 76.4 points scored while allowing 73.2 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 87.4 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. In contrast, UTEP has struggled, going 4-6 in their last ten games and currently on a three-game losing streak. The Miners have averaged 68.9 points scored and 70.2 points allowed during this period.
The Hilltoppers' home record stands at 3-2 in their last five games, while UTEP has managed a 1-3 record in their away games. Historically, Western Kentucky has had the upper hand in their matchups against UTEP, winning all three meetings this season, including a previous encounter on January 10, 2026, where they won 68-56.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details that might have affected either team for this game. However, the absence of key players can often influence the outcome in college basketball, and both teams would have been keen to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Western Kentucky favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Hilltoppers' ability to dominate the game, which they certainly did. The home moneyline was set at -500.0, while UTEP's moneyline was at 380.0, indicating a significant expectation of a Western Kentucky win.
Conditions at E.A. Diddle Arena were likely favorable for the Hilltoppers, as they capitalized on their home court advantage. The atmosphere in college basketball venues can often sway the momentum of a game, and the Hilltoppers appeared to thrive in front of their home crowd.
As the game progressed, Western Kentucky's offensive strategy became evident, with players like Armelo Boone making significant contributions, including a notable 25-foot three-point jumper. The Hilltoppers maintained control throughout the game, consistently extending their lead and demonstrating their scoring capabilities.
Overall, this game highlighted the disparity in form and performance between the two teams, with Western Kentucky clearly establishing themselves as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -9.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | UTEP Miners +380 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -500 |
Leaders
- PointsGrant Newell25Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix9Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsGrant Newell7Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsJamal West Jr.22UTEP Miners
- AssistsCaleb Blackwell4UTEP Miners
- ReboundsJamal West Jr.7UTEP Miners
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W576.4 scored · 73.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W93-70vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 27
- W94-73at Liberty FlamesFeb 21
- W88-87at Delaware Blue HensFeb 19
- W82-80vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 15
- W80-70vs Florida International PanthersFeb 7
- L66-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 6
- W65-60at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 31
- L69-72at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 29
- L58-73at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 24
- L69-76vs Liberty FlamesJan 22
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 4-6Streak L368.9 scored · 70.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- L67-77at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 27
- L63-67at New Mexico State AggiesFeb 22
- 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
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-53 | 32-54 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 59 |
| Three-pointers | 8-28 | 9-20 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 45 |
| Free throws | 19-29 | 24-28 |
| Free throw % | 66 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 32 |
| Assists | 10 | 21 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 46 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 32 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 3 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-56Grant Newell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half46-56Jamal West Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half46-59Teagan Moore makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Caleb Blackwell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trey Horton III assists)
- 2nd Half49-61Grant Newell makes layup (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half49-62Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-62Caleb Blackwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-63Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-64Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-64Caleb Blackwell makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half53-66Grant Newell makes 3-foot dunk (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half54-66Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68Teagan Moore makes layup
- 2nd Half57-68Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-70Grant Newell makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half59-70Jamal West Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-71Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half59-72Grant Newell makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half60-72Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-74Ryan Myers makes layup (Grant Newell assists)
- 2nd Half62-74Jamal West Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half62-75Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-76Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-77LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-78LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-79Terrion Murdix makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-80Terrion Murdix makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-83Ryan Myers makes 23-foot three point jumper (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half63-83Mouhamed Mbaye makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-86Ryan Myers makes 22-foot three point jumper (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half63-88LJ Hackman makes layup
- 2nd Half63-89LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-90LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-93Armelo Boone makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half65-93Bobby Montgomery Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half65-94Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-95Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-97Jack Edelen makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance4547
- OfficialsShaun Seales, Shane Land, R.B. Clyburn
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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Picks for NCAAB
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