EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — UTEP outlasted Middle Tennessee 83-80 in overtime Thursday night in a Conference USA men’s basketball game at Don Haskins Center.

The Miners, who trailed by seven at halftime, forced the extra period by erasing a second-half deficit. UTEP’s Elijah Jones scored 20 points and blocked three shots, while Kaseem Watson led all scorers with 23 points. The Miners secured the win at the free-throw line, making 25 of 36 attempts.

Sean Smith paced the Blue Raiders with 16 points. Middle Tennessee shot 52.9% from the floor but was out-rebounded 12-5 on the offensive glass.

A crowd of 4,368 saw UTEP improve to 5-10. Middle Tennessee fell to 9-6.