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UTEP Miners vs Liberty Flames Picks and Predictions – January 17, 2026
Saturday’s Conference USA matchup features a lopsided contest on paper, as the UTEP Miners travel to Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, Virginia, to face the Liberty Flames. Tip-off is set for January 17, 2026, with Liberty entering as one of the strongest teams in the conference — and a major home favorite.
The Flames are listed at -13.5 (-120) on the spread, with a heavy -1814 moneyline. UTEP enters as a major underdog at +13.5 (-107) and +833 on the moneyline. The total is 137.5, suggesting a slower-paced game — typical of Liberty’s style.
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UTEP Miners vs Liberty Flames Odds
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| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTEP | +833 | +13.5 (-107) | O 137.5 |
| Liberty | -1814 | -13.5 (-120) | U 137.5 |
UTEP Miners Betting Form
UTEP comes into this matchup as a clear underdog and for good reason. Offensively, the Miners have struggled in conference play, failing to crack 70 points in four of their last five. Their half-court sets lack fluidity, and turnovers continue to be a major issue — especially against pressure-heavy defenses.
Defensively, UTEP is more respectable. They can contest shots and limit three-point looks when locked in, but their rebounding numbers and depth issues make them vulnerable in second halves. On the road, they’ve been especially poor — both straight-up and against the spread.
You can dig into team performance on the UTEP Miners stats and results
For injury reports and roster changes, check the UTEP injury report
Liberty Flames Betting Form
Liberty continues to flex its muscle as one of the top mid-major programs in the country. Their defense is among the best in the conference, and they’ve covered double-digit spreads routinely — especially at home. The Flames hold opponents under 62 PPG and thrive in a low-possession environment.
Offensively, Liberty is highly efficient, built around spacing, shooting, and elite ball control. They don’t beat themselves and typically dictate pace — particularly at home, where they’re undefeated this season. Their free-throw shooting, bench depth, and defensive discipline make them a nightmare matchup for weaker teams.
For stats and trends, check the Liberty Flames team page
View injuries and player availability via the Liberty injury report
UTEP vs Liberty Matchup Breakdown
This game boils down to one question: Can UTEP score enough to stay within the number? Liberty’s defense is elite in half-court sets, and UTEP has not shown the ability to generate clean looks against structured defensive schemes.
Liberty will control tempo and take away UTEP’s transition opportunities. If the Flames build a lead, they’re one of the best teams in the country at milking clock and protecting it with minimal turnovers. UTEP’s lack of bench scoring and rebounding issues make it hard to find an edge — even with the big spread.
The total at 137.5 is sharp. Liberty games often trend Under, especially if they’re in full control by the second half. However, if UTEP gets hot from three early, that could change.
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UTEP vs Liberty Predictions and Best Bets
This is a bad matchup for UTEP — stylistically and statistically. Liberty should dominate both ends, and unless they come out flat or get caught looking ahead, they’re fully capable of covering this double-digit number.
The Miners don’t have the personnel or scheme to break Liberty’s defense, and their road form is a concern. While the number is high, Liberty’s consistency and ability to stretch leads in the second half make them the clear play here.
Best Bet: Liberty -13.5 (-120)
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