Conference USA Basketball - NIT Recap - Michigan 82, UTEP 67

The University of Michigan snapped a three-game losing streak Thursday night defeating the UTEP Miners in the first round of the NIT. The Wolverines used a balanced attack of inside and outside shooting to take control from the onset and nursed the lead throughout the second half.

Senior forward Chris Hunter (Gary, Ind./West Side HS) came off the bench to lead four Wolverines in double figures with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, as well as netting a perfect 6-of-6 from the foul line. Hunter got it done on the glass as well, pulling down eight rebounds with six of those coming from the defensive end.

Junior guard Dion Harris finished with 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from downtown and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. He also pitched in five assists and two steals. Backcourt mate senior guard Daniel Horton netted 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting with three fields coming from three-point land. Horton also dictated the pace of the game with nine assists and three steals.

Junior forward Brent Petway rounded out the Michigan effort with 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting, with all of those baskets coming in the form of dunks. He also connected on 2-of-4 from the free throw line, while adding four rebounds.

UTEP's Jason Williams scored 25 points in his final collegiate game, finishing with 1,225 in three years as a Miner. He is 12th on UTEP's all-time scoring list. Miguel Ayala chipped in with 15 points for the Miners, canning five three-pointers, and Will Kimble scored all 10 of his points in the first half. UTEP committed 19 turnovers. The Miners shot 45.7 percent and were 19-23 from the charity stripe.

Michigan advances to play Notre Dame at home on Monday.

Updated Conference USA basketball standings

by John Griffin, CUSA-fans.com Basketball Staff Writer