The UTEP Miners basketball team, representing the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in El Paso, Texas, holds a significant place in the annals of college basketball history. Competing in the NCAA Division I and a member of the Conference USA, the Miners boast a rich legacy marked by remarkable victories and profound cultural impact.
UTEP Miners College Basketball Championship Wins
The UTEP Miners, formerly known as Texas Western, etched their name in basketball lore by clinching the 1966 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament championship. Their historic 72–65 triumph over Kentucky in College Park, Maryland, stands as a pivotal moment in sports history. This victory holds immense significance as it marked the first instance of a team with an all-African-American starting lineup clinching the championship, challenging racial barriers in college basketball during the Civil Rights Movement.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1966 | Round of 25Sweet SixteenElite EightFinal FourNational Championship | Oklahoma CityCincinnatiKansasUtahKentucky | W 89–74W 78–76W 81–80W 85–78W 72–65 |
When did the UTEP Miners Win the College Basketball Championship?
The UTEP Miners secured their memorable championship victory in 1966, a triumph forever ingrained in basketball enthusiasts and historians' memories. Their journey to clinching the title involved overcoming formidable opponents in a series of thrilling matchups, including victories against Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, Kansas, and Utah in the Round of 25, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and Final Four, respectively. These wins culminated in a historic triumph against Kentucky in College Park, Maryland, with a score of 72–65 in the National Championship game.
UTEP Miners College Basketball Championship Appearances
The UTEP Miners have graced the NCAA Tournament stage on 17 occasions, demonstrating their consistent presence among college basketball's elite. Their journey to prominence culminated in the 1966 National Championship title, but their legacy extends far beyond a single triumph.
| Year | Results |
| 1963 | L 47–65 |
| 1964 | W 68–62, L 60–64, W 63–52 |
| 1966 | W 89–74, W 78–76, W 81–80, W 85–78, W 72–65 |
| 1967 | W 62–54, L 63–72, W 69–67 |
| 1970 | L 81–91 |
| 1975 | L 53–78 |
| 1984 | L 60–73 |
| 1985 | W 79–75, L 73–86 |
| 1986 | L 65–83 |
| 1987 | W 98–91 OT, L 82–84 |
| 1988 | L 64–80 |
| 1989 | W 85–74, L 69–92 |
| 1990 | L 61–64 OT |
| 1992 | W 55–50, W 66–60, L 67–69 |
| 2004 | L 83–86 |
| 2005 | L 54–60 |
| 2010 | L 59–77 |
When did the UTEP Miners Last Appear in the College Basketball Championship?
The UTEP Miners' most recent presence in the NCAA Tournament occurred in 2010, marking their last appearance on the coveted collegiate basketball stage. However, their journey in that tournament concluded in the first round with a loss against Butler, with a final score of 59–77.
UTEP Miners Conference Wins
The UTEP Miners have secured conference tournament championships in 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, and 2005.
FAQ's On UTEP college basketball championships
A. The UTEP Miners have won one NCAA Division I men's basketball championship, clinching the title in 1966.
A. The UTEP Miners have made 17 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
A. The UTEP Miners lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2010 against Butler, with a final score of 59–77.
A. The UTEP Miners have won five conference tournament championships.
A. The UTEP Miners' most recent conference tournament championship victory was in the year 2005.
