The University of Texas at El Paso’s men’s basketball program is set to open its Mountain West Conference slate with a home game against the New Mexico Lobos on January 2, followed by a showdown with the Wyoming Cowboys on January 5. The 18‑game schedule, arranged as a double‑round robin, balances home and away fixtures without relying on traditional travel‑partner pairings.
A Nod to the Past
Coach Joe Golding, who took over the program last season, emphasized the emotional weight of facing longtime rivals, noting that the matchups will resonate with fans who have followed the team for decades.
Wyoming’s visit marks the first meeting since the 2019 season, and the game will be played at the iconic Don Haskins Center, a venue that has witnessed many of the program’s most memorable moments.
The Miners’ first road test arrives on January 9 at Air Force, where they will meet the Falcons before concluding the regular season with a home contest against the same opponent on March 6.
Tournament Outlook
The Mountain West tournament is slated for March 10‑13 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, with the women’s tournament running March 7‑10 ahead of the men’s event. The conference’s championship weekend will bring together all twelve member schools in a neutral‑site showdown.
Games are typically scheduled for 7 p.m. on weeknights and weekends, and the conference has avoided a bye week, ensuring a continuous flow of competition throughout the season.