Hunter has 26 to lead UTEP to 80-62 win over SE Louisiana

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Vince Hunter tied his career high of 26 points to lead UTEP past Southeastern Louisiana 80-62 on Tuesday night.

Hunter hit 11 of 13 field goal attempts and was 4 of 4 from the line. Earvin Morris nailed 4 of 5 from long range for a career-high 17 points and Julian Washburn added 15 for UTEP (6-3).

The Miners never trailed and won the defensive battle in the first half for a 31-20 advantage at the break. UTEP broke free in the second to lead 57-40 at the midway point.

UTEP got hot in the second half, making 19 of 28 field goal attempts to finish with 31 of 54 (57.4 percent) while limiting the Lions to 24-of-63 shooting (38.1 percent).

The Miners also won the rebound battle 36-31 and outscored the Lions in the paint 44 to 32.

Zay Jackson had 26 points for the Lions (2-8).