Willms's late layup gives UTEP a 74-72 win over La. Tech

Feb 23, 2018, 04:37 am

EL PASO, Texas -- Matt Willms put back an offensive rebound in the final seconds to give UTEP a 74-72 win over Louisiana Tech in Conference USA action on Thursday night.

UTEP (9-18, 4-11) has won two of its last three after escaping from a six-game skid. The Miners came back to beat Louisiana Tech after getting thrashed by Old Dominion 82-33 on Saturday night.

Omega Harris had 21 points, Isiah Osborne added 15 and Willms and Trey Wade finished with 10 apiece for UTEP. Willms also pulled down nine rebounds while blocking four shots.

UTEP never trailed in the second half until Oliver Powell completed a 3-point play to give the Bulldogs a 67-64 advantage with 6:10 left. They pushed their lead to 71-66 before UTEP's Evan Gilyard made a layup to tie with 1:07 remaining and Willms' layup with 25 seconds left secured the win.

Anthony Duruji had 15 points for Louisiana Tech (16-13, 6-9). Jacobi Boykins, who missed a 3 on the final shot, finished with 13.