Green Wave (15-6, 5-2 Conference USA) vs. UTEP Miners (13-7, 4-3 C-USA)
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008, 8 PM
Don Haskins Center
Overview: Tulane is coming off another close victory over conference doormats Rice. This is the last game of a three game road swing for the Wave. UTEP is coming off of a very impressive loss against #1 Memphis on the road, holding their own until falling late, 70-64. The Miners have lost just 1 game at home this season while the Wave are 4-3 on the road this season.
Last Meeting: The Wave last played UTEP in Fogelman last season, routing the Miners 92-67. Recently departed Chris Moore led Tulane with 17 points, with Kevin Sims chipping in 15. UTEP never got closer than 10 points in the second half and the Wave led by at least 20 for the majority of the half.
Scouting UTEP: Despite having seven losses on the year, the Miners have held their own against top-notch competition. Close losses against potential tournament teams in Memphis, Houston, and Texas A&M should give the Miners a ton of confidence the rest of the season. The Miners are led by Stefon Jackson, who leads Conference USA in scoring and ranks 6th in all of the country with 24.2 points per game. UTEP also boasts 2 other players in double figures in Marvin Kilgore and Randy Culpepper. The Miners are understandably among the conference leaders in scoring averaging over 77 points per contest.
Player to Watch: Simply, the Wave will have to limit Jackson's opportunities. The play of backups Kris Richard and Johnny Mayhanne may ultimately determine whether or not the Wave wins if Sims gets into early foul trouble.
Prediction: The Wave fall on the road again this season given the confidence UTEP should have coming into this contest, 72-64.
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This is going to be a HUGE game for the Wave. Winning at UTEP would put them right back in the thick of things for what is turning out to be a battle for second place in Conference USA.
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