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The Miners got that six game loosing streak out of the way as they won 72-56 against FIU. The Miners managed to beat FIU in every stage of the game early on and cruised to the win.
“The important thing is that our team recognized that we have been facing adversity and we stick together,” said head coach Keitha Adams.
The Lady Miners got off to a fast start against the Golden Panthers. The Miners, who were playing their second game at home, played efficiently on offense.
The Miners forced 11 turnovers during the first 10 minutes of the game and made FIU pay scoring 16 points off turnovers in the first half.
Like on Thursday night, UTEP also rebounded well. The Miners in the first half scored eight points off offensive rebounds and out rebounded FIU by seven in the first half.
The Miners shot for 42.5% during the first half and went 4-6 from the free throw line.
The Miners leading scoring player in the first half was Cameasha Turner who went 7-12 and 16 points in the first half alone.
“When they play like that they make my job easier,” Adams said. “I watched them play and backed off. I’m actually not as tired today.”
The Miners defense efficiently neutralized FIU, who only shot for 16.7% from behind the arc. The defense also out rebounded FIU as the visitors only had one offensive rebound during the first half of the game. The Miners led by as many as 17 against FIU. The Miners closed the half with a comfortable lead 39-25.
FIU had no answer for the Miners in the second half either. UTEP continued to force turnovers and score off of offensive rebounds.
A career night, for Cameasha Turner, she was the motor behind the Miners. Turner scored a total of 26 points against FIU, which brought her within one point of her career high.
“I wasn’t even thinking about that, I was just trying to help my team and keep positive,” Turner said. “My team mates look at me so I keep positive and try to help them out.”
The Miners had a good day at the free throw line too. UTEP shot for 78% from the free throw line in the second half, 75% for the game.
“We got help from the line,” Adams said. “If we shot like that in the previous game we could of turned that game into the win.”
After this much needed win, the Miners will be on the road next week at Charlotte and will try to get a winning streak going. For the Miners every win is a big as ever now that the season is nearing the end and every game counts.
Juan Carlos Navarrete may be reached at [email protected].
