The UTEP men's basketball team went into a strange offseason looking to find a point guard who could make everyone around him better.
The early return is the Miners found a difference maker in Jamal Bieniemy.
The transfer from Oklahoma debuted with nine assists (and 12 points) in a 100-81 victory against UT-Permian Basin when the offense was electric for a half in an empty gym.
In establishing a 61-43 halftime lead, UTEP shot 63 percent, trading layups and 3-pointers and getting points from all over the roster. Six Miners finished in double figures as most of what they were doing worked, at least on offense, at least for the first half.