EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by explosive runs and a relentless individual performance, UTEP outlasted Florida International 83-77 in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the Don Haskins Center.

The contest turned decisively on a dominant first-half stretch by the Miners, who built a lead the Golden Panthers spent the rest of the evening trying to overcome. After a competitive opening few minutes, UTEP unleashed a 23-6 surge over a seven-minute span to seize control. The run was fueled by efficient outside shooting and disruptive defense, transforming a narrow 12-9 edge into a commanding 35-15 advantage.

UTEP’s first-half offense was a model of efficiency, shooting 54 percent from the field and connecting on 7 of 15 attempts from three-point range. This translated to a 47-39 halftime lead, a cushion that proved vital as Florida International mounted multiple challenges after the break.

The Golden Panthers chipped away throughout the second half, closing the gap to a single possession on several occasions. A driving layup by Zawdie Jackson with 5:02 remaining cut the UTEP lead to 76-74, capping a sustained effort by the visitors. Each time Florida International drew close, however, the Miners had an answer, often in the form of Jamal West.

West, a 6-foot-6 junior from Baltimore, delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including two three-pointers, while adding five assists. He was the steadying force for UTEP, scoring in transition, on drives, and from the perimeter. His most crucial sequence came after Florida International had pulled within two points late. Following a UTEP timeout, West calmly sank a pull-up jumper to push the lead back to four, and moments later, he assisted on a Caleb Blackwell floater to extend the margin to six.

Florida International had one final opportunity, trailing 81-78 with 24 seconds left, but a Corey Stephenson three-point attempt missed. West then sealed the victory with a breakaway dunk in the final seconds, assisted by Elijah Jones, to set the final margin.

The Golden Panthers were led by Hamed Olayinka’s 19 points and nine rebounds, while Julian Mackey added 14 points. Their effort was undermined by 13 turnovers, which UTEP converted into 19 points, and a significant disparity in three-point shooting. The Miners finished 11 of 25 from beyond the arc, compared to Florida International’s 6 of 13.

Elijah Jones provided critical support for UTEP with 14 points, including four three-pointers, and two blocks. LA Hayes added 12 points off the bench, all in the first half, to help spark the initial run.

Despite the loss, Florida International won several statistical battles, including points in the paint (40-36) and rebounding margin, but UTEP’s superior shot-making and ability to capitalize on mistakes made the difference. The Miners finished with an offensive rating of 117.5 on 71 possessions, a mark that outpaced the Golden Panthers’ 107.2 rating.

The victory improves UTEP’s record to 7-12 overall, while Florida International falls to 9-10. Both teams continue Conference USA play on Saturday, with UTEP hosting Missouri State and Florida International traveling to face New Mexico State.