Somehow UTEP's 2025-26 season always seemed destined to end in heartbreak.
Jacksonville State delivered it, ending UTEP's season with a 3-point buzzerbeater for a 64-61 win.
After the game-winning shot by Mostapha El Moutauakkil ripped through the net, the celebration in front of Miner fans near the Gamecocks win turned ugly as Miner fans and Jax State players confronted each other, though no punches were thrown and eventually only one fan was ejected, well after the final buzzer.
UTEP finished its season at 11-20 overall, 7-13 in Conference USA and 11th place in a 12-team league where 10 teams make the tournament.
This win wasn't that different from many before it. UTEP went cold in the second half, fell behind by 12, then lugged itself back in the game with grit and heart. The chase finally caught Jacksonville State with 8 seconds left when Jamal West finished his 19 point night with two free throws.
That left the Gamecocks with 8 seconds to scramble down the floor, they found El Moutauakkil in the corner and he delivered the dagger to the Miners' season.
Miners down 3 at half
UTEP spent most of the first half behind, though the Miners did flash into the lead before the Gamecocks scored the last four points of the period to lead 32-29 at intermission.
UTEP was outshot 48-41% in the first 20 minutes but caused problems by forcing eight Jacksonville State turnovers. West led the Miners with nine first-half points.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP Miners men's basketball falls to Jax State to end season