UTEP Miners

Are part of Conference USA, were established in 1914, and their home arena is the Don Haskins Center, University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas.

Intriguing Facts About UTEP Miners

The UTEP Miners’ history is peppered with fascinating facts that exemplify their unique place in NCAA basketball. They achieved a historic victory in 1966, with Texas Western College, now UTEP, being the first team with an all-African American starting lineup to win a national championship, a moment that forever changed the landscape of college sports. The legendary coach Don Haskins, nicknamed “The Bear,” led the Miners for 38 seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the program and college basketball. UTEP’s basketball program is also known for its global approach to recruiting, bringing in international players and infusing diverse playing styles and cultural perspectives into the team. The team’s home court, the Don Haskins Center, is a fortress of basketball history, known as “The Mine Shaft” for its intimidating atmosphere. Additionally, UTEP’s connection to the Olympics, with alumni like Tim Hardaway competing in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, highlights the broader impact of the program.

The Historical Tapestry of UTEP Miners

The origins of the UTEP Miners’ basketball program trace back to the 1914-1915 season. Over the decades, the program grew from a modest team to a nationally recognized powerhouse in NCAA basketball. The defining moment of the Miners’ history came in 1966 under the guidance of Coach Don Haskins. This era was not just about sports victories; it was a period that witnessed the breaking of racial barriers in college basketball. The Miners’ win against the University of Kentucky in the 1966 NCAA Championship game was a victory against odds and a stand against racial segregation in sports, marking a pivotal moment in the history of NCAA basketball and American society.

The Golden Era

The golden era of UTEP Miners basketball is closely associated with the tenure of Coach Don Haskins. His coaching philosophy was built on the principles of hard work, strong defense, and prioritizing the team over individual accolades. The team, led by stars such as Bobby Joe Hill, Harry Flournoy, and David Lattin, not only excelled on the court but also played a crucial role in changing societal views about racial integration in sports. The pinnacle of this era was the 1966 NCAA Championship, which is remembered not just for its athletic significance but also for its profound impact on the civil rights movement and the course of American history.

Legendary Figures in UTEP Miners History

UTEP Miners basketball has been shaped by numerous legendary figures. Among them is Don Haskins, a Hall of Fame coach whose influence extends far beyond the basketball court. Players like Nate Archibald and Tim Hardaway, who started their journeys with the Miners, went on to achieve great success in the NBA, carrying the legacy of UTEP basketball onto the world stage. These individuals are not just remembered for their achievements in the sport but also for their role in inspiring future generations of players and fans.

A Game to Remember

One of the most memorable games in UTEP Miners history is the 1966 NCAA Championship game against the Kentucky Wildcats. This game was more than just a contest of skills; it was a clash of cultures and ideologies. The Miners, considered underdogs, emerged victorious with a score of 72-65, not only claiming the national title but also making a profound statement against racial segregation in sports. This game stands as a beacon of hope and progress, transcending the realm of sports and etching the Miners into the history books.

UTEP Miners 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Mon 06/11/2023	Opponent: McMurry War Hawks	Result: W 120-71
Week 1	Date: Thu 09/11/2023	Opponent: Univ. of Science and Arts (OK) Drovers	Result: TBD
Week 1	Date: Thu 09/11/2023	Opponent: University of Science and Arts Drovers	Result: W 123-72
Week 2	Date: Mon 13/11/2023	Opponent: UC Santa Barbara Gauchos	Result: W 89-76
Week 2	Date: Fri 17/11/2023	Opponent: Austin Peay Governors	Result: W 71-63
Week 3	Date: Tue 21/11/2023	Opponent: California Golden Bears	Result: W 75-72
Week 3	Date: Wed 22/11/2023	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: L 59-63
Week 3	Date: Sat 25/11/2023	Opponent: Loyola Marymount Lions	Result: L 47-67
Week 4	Date: Wed 29/11/2023	Opponent: Texas A&M-CC Islanders	Result: L 63-67
Week 5	Date: Mon 04/12/2023	Opponent: Western New Mexico Mustangs	Result: W 90-62
Week 5	Date: Sat 09/12/2023	Opponent: Oregon Ducks	Result: L 49-71
Week 6	Date: Sun 17/12/2023	Opponent: Abilene Christian Wildcats	Result: L 82-88
Week 7	Date: Wed 20/12/2023	Opponent: Norfolk State Spartans	Result: W 67-65
Week 7	Date: Thu 21/12/2023	Opponent: Wyoming Cowboys	Result: W 78-67
Week 8	Date: Sat 30/12/2023	Opponent: Seattle Redhawks	Result: L 61-73
Week 9	Date: Thu 04/01/2024	Opponent: New Mexico St. Aggies	Result: L 53-63
Week 9	Date: Sun 07/01/2024	Opponent: Chicago St. Cougars	Result: W 74-69
Week 10	Date: Sat 13/01/2024	Opponent: Florida International Panthers	Result: L 68-72
Week 11	Date: Thu 18/01/2024	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: W 73-59
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	Result: W 93-87
Week 12	Date: Thu 25/01/2024	Opponent: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	Result: L 54-68
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: Sam Houston St. Bearkats	Result: L 56-60
Week 13	Date: Thu 01/02/2024	Opponent: Jacksonville St. Gamecocks	Result: W 79-71
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Liberty Flames	Result: L 65-67
Week 14	Date: Sat 10/02/2024	Opponent: New Mexico St. Aggies	Result: W 74-49
Week 15	Date: Thu 15/02/2024	Opponent: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	Result: L 80-90
Week 15	Date: Sat 17/02/2024	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: L 90-96
Week 16	Date: Thu 22/02/2024	Opponent: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	Result: L 59-65
Week 16	Date: Sat 24/02/2024	Opponent: Sam Houston St. Bearkats	Result: L 54-65
Week 17	Date: Thu 29/02/2024	Opponent: Jacksonville St. Gamecocks	Result: W 72-65
Week 17	Date: Sat 02/03/2024	Opponent: Liberty Flames	Result: W 67-51
Week 18	Date: Thu 07/03/2024	Opponent: Florida International Panthers	Result: W 83-76

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Thu 14/03/2024	Opponent: Liberty Flames	Result: W 66-57
Conf. Tournament	Date: Fri 15/03/2024	Opponent: Sam Houston St. Bearkats	Result: W 65-63
Conf. Tournament	Date: Sat 16/03/2024	Opponent: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	Result: L 71-78

Home of UTEP Miners: The Don Haskins Center

The Don Haskins Center, the home of the UTEP Miners, is more than just an arena; it’s a symbol of the team’s enduring legacy and spirit. With a seating capacity of over 12,000, it has been the backdrop for countless memorable moments in college basketball. Known among fans as “The Mine Shaft,” the arena is famous for its electrifying atmosphere, which has often proved daunting for visiting teams. This venue is not only a place where games are played; it’s a community landmark that unites fans, students, and alumni in their passion for Miners basketball.