Sat Mar 8 20:10:19 2008

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UTEP crowns Southern Miss, gains C-USA final

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Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Natasha Lacy recorded 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead top-seeded UTEP over Southern Miss, 86-69, in a Conference USA semifinal matchup.

Jareica Hughes notched 21 points to go with eight assists and six rebounds for the Miners (27-2), who take on SMU in the tourney final on Sunday afternoon. Izabela Piekarska had 14 points and Timika Williams added 13.

Pauline Love had 15 points and five boards while Amber Eugene poured in 14 points and grabbed five rebounds in the loss for the Lady Eagles (19-13), who ended the season by snapping a three-game win streak.

UTEP began the game with an 8-2 burst to assume control, and led 42-29 at the break. The Miners went up by as much as 23 in the second half and cruised to the victory.