Memphis extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 18 games in El Paso Saturday, beating the UTEP Miners, 70-63. The win also stretched Memphis’ CUSA conference win streak to 54 straight. But UTEP didn’t go down easily.
Behind the scoring of Stefon Jackson, UTEP surged to a 30-27 lead at half-time. Memphis’ Robert Dozier spent much of the first half on the bench after getting two quick fouls early. The Miners then exploited the Tigers’ lack of inside quickness and size with slashing drives off the fast-break.
Dozier re-entered the game in the second half and the tide began to turn, with Memphis building a double-digit lead with 10 minutes left. Tiger super-frosh Tyreke Evans led the scoring for the Tigers with a combination of short jumpers and three-point shots. Evans’ impressive box-score: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal.
UTEP made a final charge, closing to within 64-68 with less than a minute to go. But the Tigers made two late-game stops — and just enough free throws to seal the deal. Memphis is now 24-3 on the season. Box score.
–Bruce VanWyngarden
