​CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico (KTSM) — UTEP men’s basketball continues its summer work, but this week brought a different twist.The Miners opened the week with a pair of exhibition games on Monday and Tuesday night across the border in Ciudad Juárez as part of an international foreign tour.NCAA Division I teams are allowed to take part in an international foreign tour, and UTEP took advantage of the opportunity just across the border.About 10 mins out from opening tip off at Gimnasio Universitario UACJ. UTEP Men’s Basketball to take on Indios dé Juarez for their second preparation game across the border in Ciudad Juarez. #PicksUp#UTEPMBBpic.twitter.com/6rT9OPEKqO— Jesus Alejandro Baltazar (@jbaltazar__) August 5, 2026The Miners concluded the two-day trip with resounding wins over Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and professional basketball team Indios de Juárez.The trip marked the first test of the year for a UTEP roster that has been completely revamped from last year.UTEP’s matchup against Indios de Juárez took place Tuesday night in front of hundreds of fans at Gimnasio Universitario, including several Miners fans who made the trip across the border.The Miners went on to dominate Indios, earning a 118-78 win in their second exhibition in Ciudad Juárez this week.Jace Whiting led the way with 21 points, Leif Moeller had 18, and Isaiah Ward chipped in 10 points and 17 rebounds.Postgame autographs and photos in Juarez after a 118-78 win over Los Indios! Jace Whiting led the way with 21 points, Leif Moeller had 18, and Isaiah Ward chipped in 10 points and 17 rebounds. #MinerosEnMexico#PicksUppic.twitter.com/GE123KZZM8— UTEP Men’s Basketball (@UTEPMBB) August 5, 2026Head coach Joe Golding reflected on what he saw from his new-look team in its first games together.“Yeah, there’s a lot of positives. There’s a ton of room for improvement as well. Offensively, I like the way we shared the basketball. We shot the ball well in these two games, which is a good sign moving forward,” UTEP men’s basketball head coach Joe Golding said Tuesday night. “Defensively, we got a real long way to go. We haven’t spent much time this summer on the defense, but I thought we showed some growth, especially in the second half of the game today.”Several players who arrived at UTEP during the spring also talked about the experience of competing across the border.“It was a really great experience just to come over here and see the city and to see the fans who will hopefully support us this season,” UTEP sophomore guard Leif Moeller said on Tuesday night. “It was a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it.” While the games do not count toward the regular-season record, the trip gave UTEP valuable time to build chemistry and learn more about a roster featuring many new faces.After the two wins in Ciudad Juárez, the Miners feel confident about the direction they are heading as they continue preparing for the 2026-27 season.Copyright 2026 N