Cooper scores 20, UTEP puts away UTSA 61-51
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- C.J. Cooper scored 20 points, tying a career-high, and dished out five assists as UTEP put away Texas-San Antonio 61-51 on Thursday night.
UTEP (22-9, 12-4 Conference USA) shot 44.2 percent from the field. Cedrick Lang finished with 12 points and John Bohannon had eight with nine rebounds.
The Roadrunners (8-21, 4-12) were held to 21-of-66 shooting (31.8 percent). Devon Agusi contributed 14 points, George Matthews had eight with 10 rebounds and Jordan Sims added seven points and 11 boards.
UTEP jumped out to a 7-0 lead early as Matt Willms had two baskets. Cooper added a pair from the perimeter along with a jumper and layup to push the Miners out to a 28-16 halftime advantage.
UTSA used a 13-0 run in the second half to pull within four, but Cooper countered with a 3-pointer, two free throws and a jumper to lead by 10 with 1:40 remaining.