Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens vs UTEP Miners Betting Preview
The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens head to El Paso to face the UTEP Miners in a Conference USA matchup at the Don Haskins Center. Delaware enters with a 6-14 record and momentum from a win over New Mexico State, while UTEP looks to defend its 6-6 home mark after falling to Louisiana Tech. With the Miners favored by 5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Delaware’s perimeter shooting and UTEP’s defensive pressure.
Line Movement and Odds
UTEP is favored, but Delaware’s three-point shooting makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- Delaware Spread: +5.0 (-110)
- UTEP Spread: -5.0 (-110)
- Delaware MoneyLine: +210
- UTEP MoneyLine: -141
- Total: 127.5 (-110)
Stay tuned to the college basketball odds feed for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Delaware’s perimeter attack against UTEP’s home-court edge.
Matchup Breakdown
Delaware Outlook
The Blue Hens average 68.7 points per game, with Christian Bliss, Justyn Fernandez, and Jyare Davis leading the offense. Bliss’ 23 points vs New Mexico State highlighted his scoring, while Fernandez’s 14.5 points per game showcase his consistency. Delaware’s efficiency (6-14 overall record; 8.4 made threes per game; 36% three-point shooting, top 100 nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
UTEP Outlook
The Miners average 69.3 points per game, with Elijah Jones, Jamal West Jr., and Tae Hardy driving production. Jones’ 25 points vs Louisiana Tech highlighted his scoring, while West’s 11 rebounds showcased his presence inside. UTEP’s efficiency (7-14 overall record; 6-6 at home; 7.8 steals per game) underscores their strengths. Their ability to defend aggressively and disrupt opponents makes them tough to beat in El Paso.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and turnovers. Delaware thrives on Bliss’ scoring and Fernandez’s consistency, while UTEP must rely on Jones’ hot hand and West’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Delaware: The Blue Hens report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
UTEP: The Miners are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
The Don Haskins Center has been a balanced venue for UTEP, where they’ve gone 6-6 this season. Delaware, however, has struggled away from home (2-7), making this a clash of Miners’ home steadiness versus Blue Hens’ attempt to build momentum on the road.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: UTEP 70, Delaware 65
- Delaware +5.0 → Best Bet. Their perimeter shooting suggests they can keep the game close.
- Over 127.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring pace points toward a combined score above the line.
UTEP’s depth and defense should carry them to victory, while Delaware’s perimeter attack keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans slightly higher-scoring, with totals landing just over the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Conference USA games often spotlight defensive intensity and perimeter shooting duels. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major defensive trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Delaware vs UTEP, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


