Liberty Flames vs UTEP Miners
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Final Score Liberty 73 - UTEP 64
Spread: W
Total: L
Matchup Analysis
This NCAAB matchup features Liberty Flames (22-3 (12-0)) traveling to take on UTEP Miners (10-16 (8-6)) at Don Haskins Center, El Paso, TX. The Liberty hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the UTEP by 17.3 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup.
On offense, UTEP averages 72.7 points per game, which exceeds what the Liberty defense typically allows (66.8 PPG). That mismatch could give the home side opportunities to exploit. The Liberty offense puts up 82.6 PPG and faces a UTEP defense allowing 74.2 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one.
Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and UTEP will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects Liberty to win by approximately 8.2 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from UTEP winning by 4 to losing by 21.
Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.
Team Comparison
LIB Liberty
Stat
UTEP UTEP
22-3 (12-0)
Record
10-16 (8-6)
Last 10
82.6
PPG
72.7
66.8
Opp PPG
74.2
Current Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIB Liberty Flames | -270 ↑ | -6.5 ↑ | O 139.5 |
| UTEP UTEP Miners | +220 ↓ | +6.5 ↓ | U 139.5 |
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 19, 8:03 PM
Opening line: +7.5 / O/U 138.5
Model Projection
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIB Liberty Flames | -289 | -8.2 | O 155.3 |
| UTEP UTEP Miners | +289 | +8.2 | U 155.3 |
Source: Model Updated: Feb 19, 7:17 PM
Our Picks
Spread
W
Liberty (opened at +7.5)
55% Confidence
Total
L
Over (opened at 138.5)
65% Confidence
Recent Trends
UTEP has struggled this season at 10-16 (8-6). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset.
Liberty comes in with an impressive 22-3 (12-0) record. They've been among the best teams in their conference and are playing with the confidence of a squad that expects to win. Road games can be tricky, but this team has the poise to handle hostile environments.
When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.
Matchup Edges
UTEP
Advantages
- Home court advantage and crowd support
- Familiarity with home venue and routines
Disadvantages
- Sub-.500 record at 10-16 (8-6) raises concerns
- Potential for inconsistency in key moments
Liberty
Advantages
- Strong 22-3 (12-0) overall record this season
- Potent offense averaging 82.6 PPG
- Stout defense allowing just 66.8 PPG
Disadvantages
- Playing on the road without home crowd support
- Road fatigue and travel can impact energy levels