Basketball: NMSU Meets Miners at “the Don” in Conference Clash (Game Program)

January 31, 2026

This match preview is presented as a virtual game program—designed to be read before the first possession and referenced as the afternoon plays out.

Source: NMSU Athletics
Photo: Courtesy

Some game stories are meant to be read before the opening tip—and kept open as the game unfolds.

With NM State traveling down I-10 to face UTEP on Saturday afternoon, the Aggies and Miners meet for the 99th time in a rivalry that has spanned decades and conferences. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. MT at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, with live coverage on ESPN+ and real-time statistics available throughout the game.

Traditionally, much of what follows would have been printed, stapled, and handed out at the arena doors. Instead, this edition of Game Notes is presented here as a virtual game program—designed to be read before the first possession and referenced as the afternoon plays out.

NM State enters the matchup having won each of the last three meetings with UTEP, most recently an 85–60 victory in El Paso on Feb. 8, 2025. The Aggies hold a 46–53 record all-time against the Miners, a reminder that familiarity—not comfort—defines this series.

What follows breaks down the matchup from multiple angles: the numbers behind the rivalry, the roster and season to date, and the players and coach who will shape what happens on the floor this afternoon.

Opening Tip
Who: NM State (7–13, 3–5 CUSA) vs. UTEP (9–10, 1–7 CUSA)
Where: Don Haskins Center (11,892) | El Paso, Texas
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 | 2:00 p.m. MT
Watch: ESPN+
Stats: nmstatestats.com