UTEP holds off Charlotte 73-68

EL PASO, Texas (AP) C.J. Cooper scored 15 points to lead five in double-figures and UTEP made its free throws late to hold off Charlotte 73-68 on Thursday.

UTEP (17-7, 9-3 Conference USA) scored the first seven points of the game and Cooper's 3-pointer made it 10-2 just 2 1/2 minutes in. UTEP led 34-27 at the break.

Charlotte trimmed the deficit to three with 35 seconds to play on a pair of free throws by Terrence Williams. But Omega Harris made a pair for UTEP, and then Ivan Benkovic missed a 3-pointer, forcing the 49ers to put UTEP on the line. The Miners hit 7 of 8 from the line inside of 30 seconds to secure the win.

Vince Hunter finished with 14 points for UTEP. Earvin Morris and Julian Washburn had 11 while Cedrick Lang added 10 points and 10 boards.

Charlotte (10-14, 3-8) was led by Mike Thorne Jr. with 16 points and Williams ended with 12.