EL PASO, Texas – UTEP climbed to 31st after receiving 17 votes in the most-recent Associated Press top-25 poll released Monday. It was tied for 35th with seven votes in last week’s edition.

The Miners (22-2, 11-0 C-USA) have won 12 games in a row, the third-longest streak in program history, including 11 straight to christen Conference USA play. UTEP stands 4-1 on the year vs. teams in the top-100 of the RPI, having swept the season series vs. Tulane (45) while also defeating Idaho State (64) & Memphis (94).

Defense has been an important key to the success for UTEP. It hasn’t allowed more than 65 points in regulation this season, with a school-record nine opponents failing to crack 50.

The Miners lead C-USA in six major team stat categories while checking in second in four others. They stand 11-0 in league play, but Memphis (9-2) and UAB (8-3) are both within striking distance with still five games remaining on the docket.

UTEP will return to action when it opens up a two-game roadswing at Tulsa at 6 p.m. MST on Thursday. The Miners will also play at Houston at 12 p.m. MST on Feb. 19.

Courtesy UTEP Athletics