EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings and a frantic final minute, the UTEP women’s basketball team erased a late deficit to edge Jacksonville State 66-64 in a Conference USA thriller on Thursday night at Don Haskins Center.

The contest, played before an intimate crowd of 1,150, was a tale of two halves and a wild fourth-quarter finish, ultimately decided by a decisive steal and score in the closing seconds.

UTEP improved to 13-13 overall and evened its conference mark, while Jacksonville State fell to 13-15.

The first half belonged largely to the visiting Gamecocks, who leveraged the prolific scoring of Mya Barnes and Brooklyn McDaniel to maintain a narrow edge. Barnes, a 6-foot guard from Montgomery, Alabama, was instrumental from the opening tip, scoring 20 points over her 36 minutes. Her backcourt partner, McDaniel, added 19 points, including a critical 3-pointer in the second quarter that helped Jacksonville State withstand UTEP’s attempts to pull ahead.

Despite the Gamecocks’ offensive efforts, the Miners stayed within striking distance behind the steady play of Portia Adams. The 5-foot-6 guard from Cedar Hill, Texas, shouldered the scoring load for UTEP, finishing with a game-high 23 points. The teams traded leads in a sloppy, physical first half that saw numerous turnovers and missed opportunities, with Jacksonville State taking a 30-28 advantage into the locker room.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with both teams combining for only 22 points. UTEP managed just 10 in the period, and Jacksonville State’s lead grew to 42-38 heading into the final frame. The Gamecocks appeared to seize control early in the fourth, with Barnes hitting a pair of 3-pointers and Makala Hobdy, who finished with 10 points, contributing key baskets to push the lead to seven points.

But the Miners, facing a 53-46 deficit with under six minutes to play, mounted a relentless comeback. Adams catalyzed the surge, scoring on a driving layup and converting the ensuing free throw for a three-point play. Ivane Tensaie, who scored 10 points, then buried a clutch 3-pointer to pull UTEP within one.

The game’s most important sequence unfolded in the final minute. With the score tied at 64 and under 30 seconds remaining, Jacksonville State committed a critical turnover. UTEP’s Delma Zita intercepted a pass, leading to a timeout. Out of the stoppage, Tensaie found Zita for a corner 3-pointer that gave the Miners a 64-61 lead with 53 seconds left.

Jacksonville State responded swiftly, with McDaniel converting a tough layup to cut the deficit to one point. After a UTEP miss, the Gamecocks had a chance to take the lead or tie in the final 15 seconds. But on the ensuing inbound play, UTEP’s Heaven Samayoa-Mathis read the passing lane perfectly, stealing the ball near midcourt. The 5-foot-7 guard from Sacramento, California, then raced in for a uncontested layup with just four seconds remaining to put UTEP ahead 66-63.

Jacksonville State’s last-gasp attempt for a tying 3-pointer was off the mark, and a free throw accounted for the final margin.

Beyond the starring roles of Adams and Barnes, the game featured significant contributions from UTEP’s interior presence. Ndack Mbengue, a 6-foot-3 forward from Bergamo, Italy, posted a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, altering countless shots in the paint. Samayoa-Mathis also scored 10 points for the Miners, with her final steal proving the most crucial play of the night.

For Jacksonville State, Eden Sample provided eight points and solid interior defense, while Hobdy’s 10 points and three assists offered a spark off the bench.

The victory gave UTEP a measure of revenge for a 73-60 loss to the Gamecocks in Alabama just over a month ago. Both teams continue their Conference USA schedules on Saturday, with UTEP hosting Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State traveling to face New Mexico State.