Preview: Missouri State Bears at UTEP Miners

EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — The Missouri State Bears look to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify their position in the Conference USA standings when they visit the struggling UTEP Miners on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Don Haskins Center.

Missouri State (10-8, 4-3 CUSA) defeated UTEP decisively, 79-55, in Springfield just over three weeks ago on Jan. 2. The Bears have since gone 3-3, coming off a draining 90-87 double-overtime road loss at Middle Tennessee last Saturday. Keith Palek was instrumental in that narrow defeat, playing 42 minutes and contributing 20 points and seven assists.

Palek, a dynamic guard, enters this rematch as the Bears’ primary catalyst. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 19.4 points and 5.1 assists, including a 24-point effort at Western Kentucky and a 22-point performance in a win over Florida International. His backcourt leadership will be central to Missouri State’s offensive flow.

UTEP (6-12, 2-5) seeks to halt a two-game skid and avenge its earlier loss to the Bears. The Miners fell 80-69 at Liberty last Saturday, despite a 20-point, seven-assist outing from guard Caleb Blackwell. Blackwell’s production has been variable; he followed his big game at Liberty with 15 points in a one-point win at Delaware on Jan. 15 but was held to just two points in a home loss to Western Kentucky on Jan. 10.

The Miners have struggled to find consistent footing this season, particularly in conference play. Their Jan. 8 overtime home win over Middle Tennessee stands as their only victory in the last five games. Defense will be a key concern after allowing Missouri State to shoot 50% from the field in the first meeting.

For Missouri State, balancing fatigue after a double-OT contest with maintaining their defensive intensity from the Jan. 2 matchup will be critical. For UTEP, protecting home court and generating offense beyond Blackwell are immediate necessities. The Miners will need a significant rebound from their 55-point showing in the prior matchup to challenge the Bears.

Tipoff is set for Saturday evening in El Paso. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.