EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Randy Culpepper scored 24 points to pace UTEP to an 87-74 victory over Mercer on Sunday in a regional contest for the national Legends Classic tournament.
Christian Polk scored 17 points, Julyan Stone 13 and Jeremy Williams 11 for the Miners (1-1), who led 45-33 at halftime.
The Bears (1-1) were led by Jeff Smith, who scored 22 points, including 4-for-7 from 3-point range. Brandon Moore finished with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Miners shot a blistering 51 percent (25 of 49) and won the rebounding battle 39-32.
Mercer was charged with 17 fouls in the first half, and UTEP responded by going 17-for-21 from the line.
UTEP’s advantage reached 25 points with a little more than 10 minutes left. Mercer got no closer than 12 points with 3:15 left on two Moore free throws.
