| MATCHUP | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | UTEP Miners |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-6 | 5-10 |
| Where | Don Haskins Center, El Paso, TX | |
| When | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the UTEP Miners meet Thursday in college basketball action from Don Haskins Center in El Paso. Here’s a Middle Tennessee vs UTEP prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Middle Tennessee vs UTEP pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Preview
Middle Tennessee managed to go 5-4 over their first nine games this year. The losses in that time were versus Michigan, George Washington, McNeese State and Belmont. The next five were a 4-1 run with a lone loss to Houston among wins versus Kennesaw State, Cumberland TN, LA Tech and Sam Houston. That gives Middle Tennessee a 9-5 record in their first 14 games this year.
In the Sam Houston game on January 4, the Blue Raiders entered the second half with a 34-34 tie. Middle Tennessee scored another 34 points in the second half, eventually eking out a one-point win 68-67 in the end. Jahvin Carter led the team on 16 points with four rebounds and four assists. Kamari Lands added 14 points with three rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes of action as well.
UTEP Miners Betting Preview
Over on the UTEP side, they opened up the year on a 3-2 run over their first five games. Losses to William & Mary, UAB, Seattle U, Hawaii and Norfolk State came next however, ahead of a win over North Dakota State. It’s been losses to LA Tech, Missouri State and Florida International in the three games since then, giving UTEP a pretty rough 4-10 overall record so far this season.
In the FIU matchup back on Sunday, the Miners were in the locker room with a one-point advantage 30-29. UTEP wasn’t able to keep pace from there though, riding a 47-34 run to a 76-64 loss in the end. UTEP’s only double-digit scorer during the loss was Kaseem Watson with 25 points, four rebounds and one assist. Trey Horton added nine points with three rebounds and two assists.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders @ UTEP Miners Betting Trends: January 8, 2026
Why the UTEP Miners will win
- The home team has won each of UTEP’s last four games.
- Middle Tennessee has lost six of its last eight games at Don Haskins Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- UTEP has won the first half in each of its last three games against Middle Tennessee at Don Haskins Center.
Why the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will win
- UTEP has lost 11 of its last 12 games against the Conference USA.
- Middle Tennessee has won seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Middle Tennessee has won the first half in each of its last three night games against Conference opponents.
Middle Tennessee vs UTEP Prediction
I’ll stick with Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders were able to eke past a decent Sam Houston team in a home victory during their last outing despite shooting just 38.7 percent from the field. Middle Tennessee hit nine of 10 from the line however, and had 10 turnovers to the Bearkats’ 16 miscues. The Blue Raiders have won four of the last five games, however they’ve finished with fewer than 69 points in three of those five outings.
As for UTEP, they shot just 35.5 percent from the field while giving up 50.9 percent to Florida International in their latest loss. The Miners were outpaced on the boards 38-29 and on points in the paint 48-20 as well. UTEP has lost three straight games now, finishing below 65 points in all three of those defeats.