EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in a difficult season will meet Saturday when Delaware visits UTEP in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup at the Don Haskins Center.

The game is a quick rematch from Jan. 15, when UTEP (7-14) edged Delaware (6-14) 70-69 on the Blue Hens’ home floor. That narrow result, coupled with Delaware’s recent 73-64 road win at New Mexico State on Wednesday, suggests another competitive contest despite both teams’ sub-.500 records.

Delaware arrives with a bit of confidence after snapping a five-game skid. Guard Christian Bliss, the team’s dynamic catalyst, is coming off a 23-point, 4-assist effort in that victory. Over his last eight games, Bliss has averaged 18.4 points and 5.9 assists, frequently logging 40 minutes. His backcourt battle with UTEP’s Elijah Jones will be pivotal.

Jones powered UTEP with 25 points in its last outing, a 69-59 home loss to Louisiana Tech. The Miners have lost three of their last four, with their only win in that stretch being the one-point triumph at Delaware. Jones, a consistent scoring threat, was held to 10 points in the first meeting but contributed three blocks.

UTEP holds a 7-14 overall record and will look to protect its home court, where it is 5-5 this season. Delaware is 1-9 in true road games. The Miners’ overtime home win over Middle Tennessee on Jan. 8 shows their capability, while Delaware’s overtime loss at Louisiana Tech illustrates how close they have been to more victories.

For Delaware, support for Bliss against UTEP’s defense will be key. Tyler Houser (16 points vs. New Mexico State) and Justyn Fernandez have provided secondary scoring. UTEP will need production beyond Jones; Kaseem Watson scored 20 in the last game.

The rematch offers Delaware a chance for road redemption and UTEP an opportunity to sweep the season series and build stability. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.