Texas-El Paso vs Jacksonville State Picks and Prediction – 2/22/2025

The UTEP Miners (17-9, 7-6 Conference) head to Pete Mathews Coliseum to take on Jacksonville State Gamecocks (18-9, 10-4 Conference) in a key Conference USA battle. The Miners are coming off a 76-69 loss to Liberty, marking a second straight defeat. Jacksonville State won three of the last four but fell 66-61 to Sam Houston in the last outing. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UTEP Miners have been inconsistent, losing two straight after a solid stretch, including a 77-63 win over FIU. The offense averages 72.9 points per game, led by Otis Frazier III with 14.0 points on 46.4% shooting. Ball movement has been solid with 13.9 assists per game, but rebounding is a major issue, averaging just 30.2 boards per game. The team will need a strong showing from Kevin Kalu, who leads the team with 5.4 rebounds.

Defensively, UTEP allows 69.0 points per game and thrives on pressure, forcing 10.7 steals per game. Frazier III is a key piece on that end, leading the team in steals (2.3) and blocks (0.8). The Miners will need to clean up interior defense and rebounding to contain Jacksonville State, which has a significant edge on the boards.

Jacksonville State has been one of the stronger teams in the conference, winning four of the last five. They score 75.1 points per game, with Jaron Pierre Jr. carrying the offense, averaging 22.0 points while shooting 43.7% from the field. The Gamecocks move the ball well with 11.6 assists per game but are most dominant on the glass, pulling down 38.6 rebounds per game.

Defensively, Jacksonville State gives up just 68.7 points per game and relies on rim protection from Mason Nicholson, who averages 1.6 blocks and leads the team with 7.9 rebounds. They struggle with steals, only forcing 4.7 per game, but the size and interior presence make it tough for opponents to score inside. The Gamecocks will look to control the boards and slow down UTEP’s transition game.

Jacksonville State has a clear advantage inside, and UTEP's struggles on the glass will be a major problem. The Gamecocks have the best player on the floor in Pierre Jr., and the ability to limit second-chance points should control the tempo. UTEP’s defensive pressure is strong, but Jacksonville State’s rebounding edge and home-court advantage give them the upper hand. Final Score Prediction: Jacksonville State wins and covers 74-68.