Liked defense vs. Memphis, though

Something good amid UTEP's 70-64 loss to No. 1 Memphis: UTEP kept Memphis' offense off balance, especially in the second half when the No. 1 team in the nation was forcing its shots from the perimeter and the paint. And UTEP was getting the rare gift of Memphis eventually missing 20 free throws and hitting only one 3-point shot all game. How do you lose?

UTEP, and just about any other winning team, should have won on a day like this.

UTEP blew this one, and a chance to probably have enough RPI points to challege for the NCAA Tournament if it would continue to play a-little-above-average ball the rest of the way. UTEP is now 13-7. A 14-6 and a streak of some wins would have put UTEP on the NCAA bubble, providing it played well in the Conference-USA Tournament.

Anyway, as said here many times: Stefon Jackson (announcers called him Johnson and Steven a time or two) is no doubt a talent. But he messed up yet again in the clutch. When the game was tight, real tight, he missed two layups two front-ends of one-and-one free throws, got his shots blocked and commited a turnover.

Culpepper showed his over-aggressive style again. DOOOON'T SHOOT, CULPEPPER!!! He did make a 3-pointer to give the Miners a lead, and a good chance for the upset late in the game. Later, when the team was falling apart and the clocking ticking fast, he didn't help matters by shooting an airball from long range.

This game could have been won by steady minds who played smart basketball. Memphis was a cripple on this day. UTEP was right there to take advantage (with that defense). UTEP could have knocked off the No. 1-ranked team in the NCAA on the No. 1 team's home court. That would have meant soooooo much to the fortunes of Miner basketball.