JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — UTEP earned a 69-64 road victory over Jacksonville State in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The Miners, who improved to 10-15, used a strong defensive performance to secure the win, forcing 11 turnovers and recording 11 steals. Both teams were tied at 33 at halftime before UTEP outscored the Gamecocks 36-31 in the second half.

Caleb Blackwell and Elijah Jones each scored 16 points for UTEP. Jacksonville State (13-11) was led by AC Bryant with 17 points and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil with 16. The Miners shot 11 for 25 from 3-point range and made 14 of 19 free throws. Attendance was 1,263.