MIAMI -- Matt Willms scored 23 points, shooting 10 for 13, and Dominic Artis was 7 for 11 and scored 21 points to lead UTEP past Florida International 90-76 on Saturday.
Cameron Smith's layup with 7:22 left before halftime brought the Golden Panthers to within 25-24, but UTEP (13-15, 11-5 Conference USA) went on a 16-6 run and led by 11 (41-30) at intermission.
Florida International (6-23, 2-14) cut the deficit to seven on three occasions after halftime but couldn't get closer. Omega Harris scored 19 points, Paul Thomas 15, and Trey Touchet 12.