EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless momentum swings and crucial plays in the final seconds of regulation and overtime, UTEP outlasted New Mexico State 91-88 in a Conference USA men’s basketball thriller on Saturday night at Don Haskins Center.

A crowd of 7,862 saw the Miners erase a seven-point halftime deficit, survive a dramatic tying 3-pointer by New Mexico State’s Jemel Jones with five seconds left in regulation, and then execute nearly flawlessly in the extra period to secure the victory. The win improved UTEP to 9-15 overall, while the Aggies fell to 11-12.

The most pivotal sequence of the game unfolded in the final 30 seconds of overtime. With UTEP clinging to an 88-86 lead, New Mexico State’s Julius Mims was fouled and sent to the line for two shots with 10 seconds remaining. Mims missed the first free throw but made the second, trimming the deficit to one. On the ensuing inbound, UTEP’s Caleb Blackwell was immediately fouled. The sophomore guard, who finished with 21 points and five assists, calmly sank both free throws to push the Miner lead back to three at 90-87 with nine seconds left.

New Mexico State, without a timeout, rushed the ball upcourt. Jones, who led all scorers with 26 points, launched a deep 3-pointer that missed. UTEP’s Kaseem Watson secured the defensive rebound and was fouled with two seconds on the clock. Watson made the first free throw to seal the outcome at 91-88 before intentionally missing the second, allowing the final ticks to expire.

The game never should have reached overtime. UTEP appeared to have it won in regulation, leading 72-69 after a Watson 3-pointer with five seconds left. But on the Aggies’ final possession, Jones took an inbound pass, dribbled across half-court, and launched a high-arcing 30-footer over a defender that swished through the net as the horn sounded, sending the game to an extra period tied at 72.

That shot capped a furious comeback by the Aggies, who had trailed by as many as eight points in the second half. UTEP’s surge after halftime was keyed by its defense and dominance on the glass. The Miners blocked eight shots, led by Jamal West’s four, and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, which translated into 19 second-chance points. New Mexico State managed only 11 offensive boards and was outscored 26-14 at the free-throw line, a critical disparity in a tight contest.

Offensively, UTEP used a balanced attack. Alongside Blackwell’s 21, West contributed 20 points and Jamal West added 17. Watson was a force inside and out, finishing with 18 points and playing a game-high 42 minutes. Elijah Jones provided a major spark with 17 points and relentless activity on both ends.

For New Mexico State, Jones carried the scoring load, but received support from Anthony Wrzeszcz, who scored 14 points, all in the first half, and Gabe Pickens, who added 13 points and four assists. The Aggies shot a higher percentage from the field (44.4% to 39.1%) and from 3-point range (41.7% to 34.4%), but their 14-of-23 performance at the charity stripe and UTEP’s interior defense proved decisive.

The first half belonged to the Aggies, who used hot outside shooting to build a 39-32 lead. Wrzeszcz hit four 3-pointers in the period, helping New Mexico State withstand early buckets from Watson and Elijah Jones. UTEP chipped away in the second half, finally taking its first lead since the opening minutes on a Caleb Blackwell dunk midway through the period. The teams traded blows from there, setting the stage for the dramatic final minutes and overtime.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Both teams had eight assists and eight steals. UTEP committed 13 turnovers to New Mexico State’s 10. The Aggies held advantages in points in the paint (36-30), points off turnovers (13-7), and fast-break points (19-16). The Miners’ superior offensive rebounding and ability to draw and convert fouls ultimately provided the narrow margin needed.

The victory gives UTEP a positive start to the second half of the conference schedule and a leg up in the season series, with the rematch set for Feb. 21 in Las Cruces. New Mexico State, coming off a road win at Louisiana Tech, sees a two-game winning streak snapped and must regroup quickly with a visit from Liberty on Wednesday. UTEP travels to face Jacksonville State on the same night.