What was deemed by some as a UTEP basketball collapse was, in fact, an apparent slump. UTEP's basketball season is not yet dead.
The latest litany: UTEP was not supposed to beat Central Florida (then 17-7). but blew out that Conference USA opponent that is headed to the Big East, 73-58. It was a blowout.
Then again, in the crunch side of the schedule, UTEP (now 14-10) could have played up to its earlier par, but lost to Alabama-Birmingham, Tulsa and Houston in a four-game span. Those were supposed wins, if that was really par.
This is not to say UTEP is anywhere in the post-season picture. But it is saying the "team" is still there, despite that slump. There was not a cash-in vs. UCF; the Miners returned to the top of their game.
Now comes the the rest of the season, with the big questin being, when does UTEP get a good "team" in the eyes of college basketball pundits. and you blog posters, of course.
A strong finish would cetaintly be a fan-getter.
What do you mean we supposed to win? Do some research Joe. We were five point favorites. Mid majors have to either beat a big team or win their conference to get any recognition. We have only one shot at the tournement and that is win the CUSA tournement in Tulsa. This team has the players to do this but Memphis is tough and well coached.
Posted by: Bob | February 17, 2013 at 07:21 AM
Joe, or is it really Jose?
UTEP clearly underachieved in this game. Floyd pulled back on the reigns and only won this game by 15 points. What was he thinking? He clearly has lost control of this team, as they could've won by 25 points against this weak conference foe.
Blowout opportunities are rare. I hope we don't squander the next opportunity - if there is another opportunity.
Eduardo del Tapatia
Posted by: Ed | February 17, 2013 at 07:48 AM
Ed, I think CTF could care less about a blowout in favor of getting Hooper Vint and Tymond Howard some decent play time. Not to mention Cooper getting a little more floor time. These kids need that time... they are part of the future success of this team.
Unless you had some crazy bet going, of course.
CTF is thinking of the future at these times, not how good the score looks in the morning paper.
One gripe I have is how the Miners finished the last 30 seconds of the game. They all starting walking around as if the game was over.
Posted by: desert_mouse | February 17, 2013 at 08:55 AM
Really? Post-seaspm tournament? You mean a real tournament or one of those make believe tournaments for teams with a five hundred record that didn't get invited to either of the real dances? Don't think so. Not this year.
Posted by: georgeofthedesert | February 18, 2013 at 08:21 AM
A big W is nicer than a little w. A w of either kind is what helps seeding in the CUSA tourney.
Good job Miners on an impressive victory.
Posted by: Figmund Sreud | February 18, 2013 at 08:44 AM
I am glad that the posters don't coach the team. Hooper played some and got experience against a quality opponent. CJ is getting better and needs to play as much as possible. Twymond needs to get the feel of college basketball. 15 or 25 points is meaningless. Real fans always want to go the NCAA tournement. We can if we win CUSA. It is automatic.
Posted by: Bob | February 18, 2013 at 01:52 PM