EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women’s basketball team announced a commanding start to the 2026‑27 season on Monday night, defeating Western New Mexico 100‑64 at the GECU Arena inside the Don Haskins Center.
Balanced scoring and efficient shooting
Seven Miners posted double‑digit totals, highlighted by freshman forward Zainab Olalekan, who led the squad with 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in her UTEP debut. Krista Lukasevica added 14 points and five rebounds in her first collegiate appearance, while senior guard Tatiana Collazo contributed 13 points. The bench also chipped in, with Imani Warren, Mary Moses Amaniyo, Isabel João and Aolani Woldai each scoring 10 points.
UTEP’s offense was highly efficient, shooting 60.0% from the field (39‑of‑65) compared with Western New Mexico’s 35.3% mark. The Miners also recorded 43 rebounds, 19 assists and 19 steals, while limiting the Mustangs to 30 rebounds, 10 assists and eight steals.
Early dominance set the tone
The Miners seized control early, launching a 14‑0 run to build an 18‑4 lead with just under four minutes left in the opening quarter. Olalekan’s ten first‑quarter points helped establish the advantage, though Western New Mexico rallied late in the period to narrow the gap to 21‑17.
Western New Mexico tied the game at 21 early in the second quarter, but a 12‑0 response sparked by Warren’s seven straight points restored UTEP’s momentum. The Miners entered halftime ahead 45‑34.
Second‑half firepower
UTEP extended its lead in the second half, outscoring the Mustangs 55‑30 over the final two quarters. An 8‑1 run to open the third quarter, combined with Collazo’s 10 points in that period, pushed the lead to 74‑50 heading into the fourth. The Miners eventually built a 36‑point margin, the largest of the night.
A freshman second‑chance basket by Apostolia Zormpala with 42 seconds left pushed the Miners over the century mark, marking the second consecutive season the team has reached 100 points.
Opponents’ effort
Western New Mexico’s top scorers were Tess Taylor and Jordan Sapien, each finishing with 20 points.
Looking ahead
UTEP will continue its home homestand Saturday, Nov. 7, when it hosts Incarnate Word at the Don Haskins Center. Tip‑off is set for 1 p.m. MT, and the game will be streamed on the MW+ platform (subscription required).
The season‑opening victory underscores the Miners’ offensive depth and defensive intensity, promising an exciting campaign for UTEP supporters.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
