Preview: Louisiana Tech Looks to Sweep Season Series at UTEP

EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will aim for a regular-season sweep and to solidify their position in the Conference USA standings when they visit the UTEP Miners on Wednesday night at the Don Haskins Center.

Louisiana Tech (11-8, 3-3 CUSA) enters with momentum from an 82-76 home victory over Kennesaw State last Friday, powered by a career-high 28 points from guard Scooter Williams. The Bulldogs previously defeated UTEP 75-63 in Ruston on Dec. 29.

UTEP (7-13, 2-4) looks to halt a two-game skid after falling 62-57 to Missouri State at home last Saturday. The Miners have shown flashes, including an overtime win over Middle Tennessee and a victory over Florida International last week, but have struggled for consistency.

A key matchup will feature Louisiana Tech’s Williams against UTEP’s Elijah Jones. Williams, coming off his explosive 28-point performance, has been a variable in the Bulldogs’ lineup, scoring in double figures in three of his last seven games. Jones has been a steady force for the Miners, averaging 15.4 points and 3.0 blocks over his last five contests. His defensive presence inside will challenge a Louisiana Tech team that relies on guard-driven offense.

The Bulldogs have won three of their last five, including two overtime conference games. Beyond Williams, DJ Dudley (20 points vs. Kennesaw State) and Avery Thomas provide scoring options. UTEP counters with Jones and Jamal West, who averages a team-high 15.3 points per game in conference play.

Louisiana Tech holds a clear advantage in the season series and overall record, but the Miners are 6-5 at home this season compared to 1-11 on the road. UTEP will need to leverage that home-court advantage to avenge December’s loss.

Wednesday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting this season between the programs in El Paso. Following this game, Louisiana Tech travels to face Sam Houston on Saturday, while UTEP hosts Delaware.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MST Wednesday at the Don Haskins Center (9 p.m. EST).