UTEP defeats Southern Mississippi 56-49

Arnett Moultrie scored 15 points and UTEP never trailed in defeating Southern Mississippi 56-49 Saturday night.

Despite holding the lead from the first 30 seconds of the game, it was close much of the way for the Miners (11-5, 2-1 Conference USA). It was 25-22 at halftime and after UTEP built the lead to as many as 13 points in the second half, Southern Miss got within six points in the final minute.

Derrick Caracter scored 11 points for the Miners and Julyan Stone had 10 rebounds. Stone also made a pair of free throws which pushed the margin back to eight points in the final minute.

Gary Flowers led all scorers with 17 points for the Golden Eagles (10-7, 0-3). Buchi Awaji had 10 points.