Caleb Blackwell scores 9 of his 21 points in OT to lift UTEP over New Mexico State 91-88

Sophomore guard Caleb Blackwell led the UTEP Miners to a dramatic 91-88 overtime victory against the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday night at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, securing a crucial conference win through a career-best performance. Blackwell, who finished the game with 21 points, took command of the late-game proceedings by scoring nine of his team's points during the extra period. This high-stakes rivalry matchup was driven by both teams' desire for regional dominance and improved standing within the Conference USA rankings as the regular season progresses. The game was a tightly contested affair from the opening tip, characterized by aggressive defensive plays and frequent lead changes. After battling to a draw at the end of regulation, the pressure shifted to the overtime period where Blackwell’s efficiency from the floor and poise at the free-throw line proved to be the deciding factor. His ability to penetrate the Aggies' defense and create scoring opportunities helped the Miners withstand a late surge from New Mexico State, who struggled to contain the UTEP backcourt in the final minutes. Beyond Blackwell’s scoring outburst, the Miners benefited from a collective defensive effort that limited New Mexico State’s perimeter shooting during critical possessions. The Aggies attempted to bridge the gap with several late three-pointers, but UTEP’s disciplined rebounding ensured they maintained their narrow edge until the final buzzer. This victory marks a significant momentum shift for the UTEP program, providing them with a confidence boost heading into their upcoming road schedule while highlighting Blackwell's emergence as a primary offensive threat.