UTEP basketball preview: UTEP vs. UAB

CUSA-fans.com has a new staff of team correspondents this fall to help bring you, the fan, more detailed Conference USA sports coverage. Today, our new UTEP Correspondent Robert Robles brings you a preview of the basketball game between UTEP and UAB.

Also see our UTEP Correspondent's preview of UTEP vs. UAB

With conference play in Conference USA heating up, rebuilding may be a norm in the league this year. That was supposed to be the case for UTEP this year, and some may argue that that is the case, but with scoring an almost 400 point skit in the past 4 games, the Miners are on a roll…as are the UAB Blazers.

The Blazers almost upset the No. 3 Florida Gators on the 30 th of December before falling short 70-75. Under newly appointed Head Coach Mike Davis, the Blazers are playing a much difference, and arguably slower, type of play than under Mike Anderson. However, the Blazers have returning starters in Wen Mukubu, Paul Delaney, and Maurice Gibbs, compared to only a total of 3 players for the Miners.

Two new coaches head off in league play in this game, Tony Barbee’s fast paced, and guard oriented, young Miners pitched against Mike Davis’s weathered veterans. The key in the game goes down to two things: rebounding and defense. Undoubtedly, both coaches have been emphasizing both concepts.

Statistics show that the Miners have the edge in rebounding and scoring, averaging 40 rebounds a game and 80 points, but those numbers have been skewed by inconsistency. No doubt as a result of a new head coach and a very young team. UAB has been averaging 69 points a game to compliment 34 rebounds per game. Assuming the young Miner team is prepared to play, which is very likely, this should be a great matchup.

Stefon Jackson will lead the much improving Miners against the UAB Blazers, who is averaging 20.1 points, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 2 assists per game, obviously one of the most dynamic players of Conference USA. The Blazers will be led by Guard Paul Delaney, who is averaging 17.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.

UTEP will need to play defense and make high percentage shots to make this conference opener a W on their schedule.

UTEP - 78

UAB - 74