UTEP Miners

2024-25 Record: 11-19 (4-14)

Head Coach: Keitha Adams (2nd stint, 8th season overall) is back at UTEP, ready to build on the wins record she already holds. That earned Adams the C-USA Coach of the Year trophy in 2008, 2012, and 2016. All three conference titles came under her watch too. Replicating that success again will be tough, but there is enough talent here that SHSU can hope for a postseason bid.

Ivane Tensaie averaged 12.6 points per game last season while shooting 37.8% from three and 85.0% from the free-throw line. Her quick release and ability to create off the dribble make her a matchup nightmare, and her experience as a grad transfer from Penn State adds poise in high-pressure situations.

Portia Adams contributed 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last year. Her 81.6% free-throw shooting and ability to facilitate in transition need to scale up, but thankfully, there is help coming. Sirviva Legions brings scoring punch with 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in 2024-25. She earned All-NEC Second Team honors, shooting 40.3% from the field, and her 1.4 steals per game will bolster UTEP's perimeter defense.

Ndack Mbengue averaged 9.0 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game in 2024-25, shooting an efficient 55.7% from the field. Her 0.6 blocks and physical presence in the paint provide much-needed rim protection for a team that allowed 66.1 points per game last season.

5wins Crystal Ball Call: UTEP will be motivated to have a strong farewell season and should compete for a top-half finish. Delma Zita's playmaking (3.6 assists), alongside 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds, will help SHSU pull off at least one upset. As a grad transfer from New Mexico JC, her 83.3% free-throw shooting and international experience from Mozambique give the coaching staff that one extra piece to punch a ticket to The Dance.