UTEP basketball preview: UTEP @ Tulane

Miners travel to Big Easy to face Green Wave

CUSA Fans UTEP Correspondent Robert Robles brings you a preview of the upcoming basketball game between UTEP and Tulane.

The Miners (13-10, 5-4) travel to New Orleans on Wednesday night to take on the Tulane Green Wave. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (MST) at Fogelman Arena.

Tulane (10-10, 3-5) has posted two solid wins in its last three games, defeating Southern Miss (79-64) and Rice (75-55). The loss was a one-point decision at home to much-improved Tulsa.

The Miners are coming off a much-needed win over in-state foe. The 79-71 at the Don Haskins Center ended a three-game skid for the Miners.

In their past two wins, Tulane has held its opponent under 40% shooting. The Miners have been notorious for poor shooting in road games, something they will need to overcome to defeat a very efficient defensive team. Driving the lane to force the Green Wave to commit fouls, rebounding, and free throw shooting will all be keys in determining whether or not UTEP comes away with a victory in New Orleans.

The Miners are exceptional at getting to the charity stripe, as they are sixth in the nation in free throws attempted. The Miners are only a scanty 66 percent from the free throw line this season.

On the season, Tulane has held its opponents to an average of 38 percent from the floor—a very impressive stat that you think would yield more than a .500 record. UTEP excels in this area as well, as it limits its opponents to only 40 percent. Both teams have very consistent defenses, but their offenses sputter at times—particularly on the road.

UTEP is 27 th in the nation in scoring, averaging 77.9 points per game. The Miners are also 21 st in rebounding, averaging 42.4 rebounds per game. Tulane is only averaging 67.8 points per game.

UTEP also does an excellent job of pressuring the opposition and forcing them to give up the basketball. They force 19.6 turnovers per contest, which ranks them 8 th nationally.

Tulane ranks 8 th nationally in blocked shots, swatting 6.6 per game.

Tulane does not shoot the ball a lot, as they prefer more of a grind it out, defensive-minded game. On the other hand, UTEP likes to play fast and utilize their quickness since they’re an undersized team. Tulane only attempts 52 shots per game compared to the Miners 61 per game. If the Miners can take an early and substantial lead, it could be difficult for the Green Wave to come from behind.

Tulane has found its identity on the defensive side of the ball. Expect this to be a defensive-minded game. For Tulane to win, the game will likely need to be played upper 60s to low 70s. Conversely, UTEP will want to push the pace as much as possible.

Final Prediction: UTEP 71 -Tulane 65