EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — In their opening game of the 2025 Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, UTEP men’s basketball was edged out 72-71 by Norfolk State at the Don Haskins Center on Sunday night. The Miners trailed for 26 minutes of the 40-minute contest and had one last chance in the final seconds to […]
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — In their opening game of the 2025 Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, UTEP men’s basketball was edged out 72-71 by Norfolk State at the Don Haskins Center on Sunday night.
The Miners trailed for 26 minutes of the 40-minute contest and had one last chance in the final seconds to keep their hopes of winning alive. Down 71-68, Trey Horton III, who went 0-of-7 from the floor, missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with six seconds remaining.
Kaseem Watson’s three-point make in garbage time made it 72-71, but it was way too late for UTEP.
Caleb Blackwell led UTEP with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. Kaseem Watson added 17 points, Jamal West Jr. scored 16, and Elijah Jones contributed 10. UTEP struggled at the free-throw line, making just 12 of 27 attempts (44.4%).
Norfolk State was paced by Anthony McComb III with 21 points, while Elijah Jamison added 12.
UTEP has now lost five straight games and remains winless against Division I opponents this season, falling to 3-7 overall.
Norfolk State advances to the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational championship game on Monday against UC Irvine at 7:00 p.m. MT.
The Miners will face North Dakota State in the consolation game at 5:00 p.m. MT.
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Category: General Sports
