Entering the game having lost seven of their last nine, the Miners had been starving for some momentum. They were boosted by a hot-shooting night at the Haskins Center on Friday, with a bounce-back win against Florida International, 75-59. The Miners (9-10, 5-9 C-USA) had a crisp offensive game against the Panthers, who have now lost 10 straight C-USA games. UTEP shot 49% from the floor (27-of-55) and went 50% from 3-point land (12-of-24). Junior Souley Boum led the Miners with 22 points (5-of-7 3-point FG), followed by Keonte Kennedy (17 points, six rebounds), Christian Agnew (12 points). “We challenged the guys to come out with unbelievable energy, activity and great communication,” said third-year coach Rodney Terry. “You have to have that in playing against a high-possession team that will really push the ball in transition and communicate getting back with guys. I thought we came out with really good energy on both ends of the floor.”