Preview: UTEP Miners at Kennesaw State Owls

KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to halt slides will meet Thursday when the UTEP Miners visit the Kennesaw State Owls in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup at the KSU Convocation Center.

UTEP (9-8) arrives having lost five straight games, most recently a 67-59 defeat to Florida International on Saturday. The Miners’ offense has struggled during the skid, failing to reach 70 points in any of the five losses.

The Miners will lean on guard Portia Adams, who is coming off a 21-point performance against FIU. Adams has been a bright spot, averaging 12.6 points per game over her last seven contests and dishing out 22 assists in that span. Sirviva Legions (15 points vs. FIU) and Ivane Tensaie (12 points) provide additional scoring options.

Kennesaw State (7-8) is also seeking to rebound from a lopsided loss, falling 74-47 to Jacksonville State on Saturday. The Owls have split their last six games.

Forward Latazia Williamson anchors the Owls’ frontcourt. She recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Western Kentucky on Jan. 4 and is a consistent defensive presence, blocking multiple shots in three of her last six outings. Guard Shania Nichols, who scored 10 points in the last game, offers backcourt support.

The game represents a final nonconference tune-up for both programs before each resumes its respective conference schedule. UTEP will travel to face Jacksonville State on Saturday. Kennesaw State will host New Mexico State the same day.

Historically, this is a rare meeting between the programs. They are scheduled to play again in a return game at UTEP on Feb. 28.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Thursday.