Joe on utepia

UTEP basketball podcast

KTSM's Beau Bagley, along with Joe Muench, Ruben Ramirez and Bill Knight from the El Paso Times sat in our studio today to talk about UTEP men's basketball, including how the team will recover from two recent losses. UTEP head coach Tony Barbee's comments at his news conference today are also included in the show. Listen to or download the podcast by clicking here.

Also, to listen to or download audio from the news conference of UTEP women's basketball coach Keitha Adams, click here.

And, as always, if you have comments or questions you'd like us to use in our next podcast, call our podcast hot line at 546-6130. Leave a message that includes your name, and we'll use the audio of your comments on the next podcast.

Cracking up in clutch

Yes, there should be a concern in Utepia about cracking up in the clutch. That was my point earlier this basketball season — Stefon Jackson has to be the team leader on the floor. He has to control his team and not let the opponent control the Miners.

In the last two games, both losses, the Miners cracked up.

Sure, Coach Tony Barbee shouldn't have gone near having a second technical foul called late in the New Mexico game. Stay away from the refs. He got it, and that's an automatic ejection. No head coach in the clutch. But then, after that, Jackson also got a technical. He should have been leading, not grousing. Don't even give the refs a chance to call a T. Stay away.

Saturday, UTEP looked to be pulling a mild upset at Texas Tech. Then Tech took complete control late in the game to win by seven points. A good team, with a leader, would have held on to win. No mistakes. Get back on defense. Make your free throws. And a road win against a Big 12 school would have meant a lot in March when it comes time to fill the NCAA Tournament field.

The jury is still out on UTEP being a mentally tough team.

Barbee getting tossed

Don't get on Tony Barbee too much for getting tossed in the clutch of Wednesday's overtime loss to New Mexico.

In overtime, two things are needed, and both have to do with how a coach coaches during regular practices.

1) Don't make mental mistakes in overtime; discipline
2) Make your free throws

I don't think there's a whole lot of coaching "genius" that goes into the last few minutes of a game. On the college level, assistant coaches know the Xs and Os as well as head coaches.