GAME NOTES: The Texas-El Paso Miners and the Kansas State Wildcats continue action at the Diamond Head Classic in this afternoon's semifinal round from the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
UTEP appeared to be on its way to a possible loss yesterday against Clemson before outscoring the Tigers 23-8 over the final 13 minutes of the contest to steal a 61-48 win. Members of Conference USA, the Miners have now won their last three outings to improve to 5-5 overall.
As for Kansas State, it has won its last three games to move to an impressive 8-1 overall, and the lone loss to date came in double overtime to a solid West Virginia squad. The Wildcats cruised past Southern Illinois last night by an 83-58 final to begin play at this event, and a Diamond Head Classic title would certainly provide the team with some confidence heading into Big 12 Conference play.
Kansas State has won two of the three previous meetings with UTEP, and the programs haven't met since 1977.
The Miners are far from explosive at the offensive end of the court, as they are generating just 62.7 ppg this season. Fortunately, they do play strong defense, limiting foes to 61.3 ppg on 41.7 percent shooting from the field. Michael Perez is the top offensive performer for UTEP with his 12.1 ppg, and Gabriel McCulley checks in with 11.7 ppg. Rounding out a trio of double-digit scorers is Julian Washburn with 10.4 ppg. In the surprising victory over Clemson, the Miners shot 51.2 percent from the floor while holding the Tigers to 30.4 percent. UTEP was able to overcome 16 turnovers as well as narrow disadvantages in rebounds and points from the foul line. Perez was tremendous in that affair, pouring in 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. As for Cedrick Lang, he chipped in 11 points.
There are four double-digit scorers on the roster for Kansas State, and Jamar Samuels leads the way with 12.4 ppg. Thomas Gipson checks in with 12.0 ppg and 7.3 rpg, while Rodney McGruder provides 11.6 ppg. Rounding out a foursome of double-digit scorers is Will Spradling who nets 11.2 ppg to go along with 3.0 apg. K-State is generating 76.6 ppg through nine outings, and the club is holding opponents to 62.7 ppg on 36.6 percent field goal efficiency. Against Southern Illinois last night, the Wildcats shot a season-best 54.3 percent from the floor, including a 9-of-14 showing from three-point range. The club did commit 19 turnovers, but earned a 44-31 rebounding advantage and held the Salukis to 29.5 percent field goal efficiency.
McCulley is the only senior on the UTEP roster, so the Miners are still quite young. A second consecutive win over a major conference opponent in as many days seems unlikely.
Fact Stats
Game Date and Time
Predicted Outcome
