Young Miners for real

Just back from vacation. Thanks, posters, for keeping this blog going the past week or so:

I don't think Miner fans have to worry about this year's basketball team any more. I know last year's Miners were veterans, and beat the Big Ten's Michigan. But this year's team is one of the youngest in NCAA Division I, and it has defeated the ACC's Clemson. Neither win was at home.

Going back in history, not many Miner teams have won against a big-name — two years in a row — away from The Don.

Against Clemson, the Miners played without two big men, and lone senior Gabe McCulley sat out a lot because of foul trouble. Yet the Miners came from a five-point deficit in the second half to win 61-48 in the opening round of the Hawaiian Airlines Deamond Head Classic. in Honolulu.

UTEP had as much as a 14-point lead late ... too late for any Clemson comeback. It was the third game in the row the Miners (5-5) shot better than 50 percent from the field.

We're seeing some good team play out of this year's UTEP Miners.

Comments

[Anthony Salom]

Joe, you went from "Miners wear down late" to "Miners for real" in a week??? Crazy. Anyway, anyone in here want news and info of UTEP sports, check out www.Minerrush.com. Come join in, submit your own posts, and join to true Miner fans in some good conversations. Go Miners!

[Prospero]

This team has improved a lot since the beginning of the season. Not too long ago they were wide-eyed freshmen losing to UTSA and Stephen F Austin. They are playing much better now, and the return of Gabe McCulley doesnt hurt either.

The game today turned me into a believer. I think this team can actually finish #1 or #2 in the conference. This young UTEP team beat Clemson by double digits, a team that blew out UAB last year in the NCAA tournament and had 3 seniors in their starting lineup. and UTEP did it without their most athletic player Julian Washburn.

[Henry]

Gabe McCulley is playing like the senior that he is. He plays every possession like it's his last and I like that. I think the difference besides Gabe is Perez. He showed that he can carry this team if need be. I think there is to much pressure on Wasburn. He has been annoited by Floyd as the net NBA star and right now he is just a good freshman. He is called the most athletic Miner but I think Perez is. If Perez was 6'7" loke Gabe or Julian it would be game over. He would be an all american. This team plays great when they share the ball. Last night's game was the Streeter show. He penetrates nicely but cannot finish at the rim. I would much prefer him to dish to the bigs for easy buckets or kick to the shooters.