The UTEP Miners Women’s Basketball team started their 2024-25 season on a positive note as they held on to beat the Tarleton St. Texans 52-49 Monday afternoon at the Don Haskins Center.
Both team struggled in the first half as Tarleton shot 19% from the field and the Miners shot 36% from the field. Both teams had 10 turnovers but UTEP had a 22-14 lead at the half thanks to Ivane Tensaie’s 11 points.
Tarlenton St. turned things around in the third quarter as they outscored the Miners 15-11. Alani Flucker scored 10 points in the quarter for the Texans but the Miners still had a 33-29 lead after the quarter.
The real fireworks took place in the fourth quarter as the Miners went on a 10-0 run to start it then the Texans went on a 8-0 run of their own. Both teams went back and forth after that and the Texans were able to tie the game late in the game but the Miners had a 2 point lead with 1.3 seconds left to go and the UTEP defense secured the game as Delma Zita tipped the Texans inbounds pass giving the Miners the victory.
UTEP had three players in double figures, Portia Adams led UTEP with 15 points, Ivane Tessie had 14, Dunja Zecevic scored 11 points.
Texans were led in points by Alini Flukers 18 points.
After winning their first game, the Miners will host Morehead State on Sunday at 6pm at the Don Haskins Center