El Paso, TX (WSET/Liberty Flames) — Liberty raced out to a 15-2 advantage to begin Sunday’s matinee at UTEP and never looked back. The Lady Flames posted an impressive 86-66 victory at the Don Haskins Center, setting season highs for points, three-pointers (12) and assists (22).
Liberty is now 8-5 overall and has opened CUSA play at 2-0 for the first time in its three seasons of conference membership. The Lady Flames never trailed, led by the backcourt duo of Avery Mills (22 points, career-high six triples) and Claudia Acin (career-high 20 points, game-high seven assists).
UTEP, which entered with the best overall record among CUSA teams, drops to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in conference action. The Miners lost for just the second time in 10 home games this season and fall to 0-5 all-time against the Lady Flames. Center Ndack Mbengue, who had scored 26 points during a Friday win over Delaware, was held without a field goal, and the Miners’ 18 turnovers turned into 17 Liberty points.
Liberty will prepare for its CUSA home opener, Thursday vs. Sam Houston (8-4, 1-0 CUSA). Tipoff has been moved up two hours to 5 p.m. at Liberty Arena, and the game will air on ESPN+.