Preview: UTEP Miners at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will look to build on a recent home victory and climb above .500 when they host the struggling UTEP Miners in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Thursday afternoon at Murphy Athletics Center. The Blue Raiders (13-14, 4-10 C-USA) snapped a three-game skid with a 78-66 home win over Delaware on Saturday. Forward Chris Loofe posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in that victory, highlighting his recent consistent play. Middle Tennessee has found wins hard to secure in conference play but holds a 10-5 record at home this season. They face a UTEP squad (10-17, 3-11) that has lost five of its last seven games, including a 67-63 road loss at New Mexico State last Saturday. The Miners’ offense often runs through guard Jamal West, who scored 22 points in that defeat. West has been a bright spot, averaging 15.4 points over his last seven contests, including two 20-point performances. The teams met earlier this season in El Paso, with UTEP securing an 83-80 overtime win on Jan. 8. That result will likely provide motivation for the Blue Raiders as they seek to even the season series on their home floor. For Middle Tennessee, maintaining momentum is critical with only a few games remaining before the conference tournament. Protecting the ball will be a focus after committing 18 turnovers in their recent loss to Sam Houston. UTEP, meanwhile, aims to salvage its road trip after the narrow loss at New Mexico State and will need production beyond West to find success. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Thursday. The Blue Raiders will host New Mexico State on Saturday, while UTEP travels to face Western Kentucky.