West scores 28 as UTEP beats Kennesaw State 78-71

West scores 28 as UTEP beats Kennesaw State 78-71 Led by Jamal West's 28 points, the UTEP Miners defeated the Kennesaw State Owls 78-71 By The Associated Press March 6, 2026, 12:29 AM EL PASO, Texas -- Jamal West had 28 points in UTEP's 78-71 victory against Kennesaw State on Thursday. West also contributed seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Miners (11-19, 7-12 Conference USA). Kaseem Watson scored 15 points while shooting 4 for 8 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line, and added five rebounds and two steals. LA Hayes shot 5 for 9 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points. Braedan Lue led the way for the Owls (18-12, 10-9) with 15 points, but Frankquon Sherman posted 10 points and 16 rebounds. Amir Taylor finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Trey Simpson had 10 rebounds. A 10-0 run in the first half gave UTEP a 10-point lead. The teams entered the break with UTEP ahead 35-25, while West with 14 points. UTEP used a 9-0 second-half run to break a 44-44 tie and take the lead at 53-44 with 10:07 left in the half before finishing off the victory. West scored 14 second-half points. Popular Reads Largest US military base in Middle East hit by missile, Qatar says Mar 3, 10:02 PM Iran live updates: Trump offers immunity or 'guaranteed death' to Iranian forces 3 hours ago Trump fires DHS secretary Kristi Noem, replaces her with Sen. Markwayne Mullin Mar 5, 3:28 PM ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . Sponsored Content by Taboola Popular Reads Largest US military base in Middle East hit by missile, Qatar says Mar 3, 10:02 PM Fact-checking Trump's State of the Union address Feb 25, 10:38 AM Iran live updates: Trump offers immunity or 'guaranteed death' to Iranian forces 3 hours ago Trump fires DHS secretary Kristi Noem, replaces her with Sen. Markwayne Mullin Mar 5, 3:28 PM ABC News Live 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events