UTEP women's basketball dominates Western New Mexico in season opener

UTEP's women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a 100-64 victory over Western New Mexico on Monday night at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center, according to KVIA.

Zainab Olalekan led the Miners with 19 points and seven rebounds in her UTEP debut. Krista Lukasevica added 14 points and five rebounds in her collegiate debut, while Tatiana Collazo contributed 13 points. Imani Warren, Mary Moses Amaniyo, Isabel João and Aolani Woldai each added 10 points. All players who saw action scored in the victory.

UTEP shot 60.0 percent from the field compared to Western New Mexico's 35.3 percent. The Miners recorded 39 made field goals on 65 attempts, with 43 rebounds, 19 assists and 19 steals. Western New Mexico led in 3-point percentage (41.2-33.3) and free throw percentage (75.0-60.0).

The Miners established an early 18-4 lead behind a 14-0 run in the opening quarter. Olalekan scored 10 points in the first quarter. Western New Mexico cut the deficit to 21-17 by the end of the period, then tied the game at 21 early in the second quarter. Warren scored seven consecutive points to spark a 12-0 UTEP run that restored control. UTEP led 45-34 at halftime.

UTEP outscored Western New Mexico 55-30 in the second half. An 8-1 run opened the third quarter as Collazo scored 10 points in the period to give UTEP a 74-50 lead entering the fourth. The Miners eventually built a 36-point advantage. A basket from freshman Apostolia Zormpala with 42 seconds remaining pushed UTEP to 100 points.

Tess Taylor and Jordan Sapien led Western New Mexico with 20 points each. UTEP reached 100 points for the second consecutive season, having last accomplished the feat on Dec. 29, 2025, with a 102-43 victory over the University of the Southwest.

The Miners continue their homestand Saturday against Incarnate Word at GECU Arena with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain Time. The game will stream on MW+ with a subscription.