HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, Western Kentucky delivered a commanding performance Saturday, overwhelming UTEP 97-65 in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup at E.A. Diddle Arena.

The Hilltoppers, improving to 18-11 overall, showcased a potent offensive attack from the opening tip, shooting a blistering 59.3% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line. UTEP, which fell to 10-19, struggled to match that firepower, connecting on just 35.8% of its field goal attempts and 65.5% from the line.

The most important part of the game was Western Kentucky’s decisive first-half surge, which effectively decided the contest before halftime. After UTEP’s KJ Thomas opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, the Hilltoppers responded with a 12-2 run, fueled by early baskets from Teagan Moore and Grant Newell. Western Kentucky never relinquished that lead, methodically building its advantage with a combination of high-percentage interior scoring and disruptive defense.

UTEP briefly closed the gap to 19-15 midway through the first half following a 3-pointer from Kaseem Watson, but Western Kentucky answered with another burst. A 9-0 run, capped by a Ryan Myers 3-pointer, extended the lead to 28-15 and forced a UTEP timeout. The Hilltoppers maintained their relentless pace, closing the half on a 21-10 spurt to take a 49-39 lead into the break. The half was emblematic of the game’s flow, with Western Kentucky scoring efficiently on 19-of-30 shooting while forcing eight UTEP turnovers.

The second half offered no respite for the visiting Miners. Western Kentucky opened with an 8-2 run to push the lead to 57-41 and continued to expand the margin, leading by as many as 32 points in the final minutes. The Hilltoppers’ offensive rating of 134.2 on 72 possessions underscored a afternoon of near-flawless execution.

Teagan Moore led all scorers with 24 points for Western Kentucky, continuing a streak of strong performances. Grant Newell added 25 points and LJ Hackman contributed 21 points and four assists. The Hilltoppers’ ball movement was sharp, with Terrion Murdix directing the offense effectively, dishing out nine assists.

UTEP was led by Jamal West’s 22 points and seven rebounds. Caleb Blackwell scored 14 points and Kaseem Watson added 15, but the Miners could not sustain any offensive rhythm against Western Kentucky’s defense, which recorded seven steals and forced 12 turnovers.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Western Kentucky, which defeated UTEP 68-56 in El Paso on Jan. 10. The Hilltoppers have now won four of their last five games. UTEP has lost three straight and six of its last seven.

A crowd of 4,547 watched at E.A. Diddle Arena as Western Kentucky outperformed its pregame expectations as a 9.5-point favorite. The combined score of 162 points sailed over the posted over/under line of 143.5.

Western Kentucky travels to face Missouri State on Thursday. UTEP returns home to host Kennesaw State the same night.