EL PASO, Texas — In an exciting showdown on Saturday night, Devon Barnes contributed significantly with 17 points as UTEP defeated Sam Houston with a final score of 81-72.

Barnes had an impressive performance, shooting 60% from the field, including a notable 57% from beyond the arc, making 4 out of 7 three-point attempts. The Miners, now boasting a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, with an unbeaten 2-0 in Conference USA, also saw Corey Camper Jr. score 16 points. Camper managed to connect on 5 out of 11 field-goal attempts, converting 1 out of 4 from three-point territory and successfully hitting 5 out of 6 from the foul line. Additionally, David Terrell Jr. added 11 points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and going 5 of 6 from the free-throw line. This victory marked the sixth consecutive win for the Miners.

For the Bearkats, who now hold a record of 7-8 and have lost both of their conference games, Marcus Boykin was the standout player, scoring 18 points and making two steals. Lamar Wilkerson followed closely with 16 points, while Cameron Huefner contributed a solid performance of 14 points along with eight rebounds.

UTEP established its dominance early by taking the lead with 8:51 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. By halftime, the Miners were up 39-29, thanks in part to Camper’s nine-point effort. Following the break, UTEP executed a decisive 15-0 run, extending their lead to 18 points at 54-36 with 13:34 left on the clock, which ultimately paved the way for their comfortable win.