On a team full of newcomers, it was a pair of returnees who led the UTEP women to a 72-54 exhibition victory against St. Mary's of San Antonio.
Senior swingplayer Sparkle Taylor, a preseason all-Conference-USA player, had 18 points, and sophomore guard Najala Howell, a bit player last season, had 11 off the bench as the Miners pulled away beginning in the second quarter.
After leading just 21-18 after the first quarter, UTEP pushed it to 37-25 by halftime and coasted home.
The Miners dominated the Rattlers on the boards (55-35), with junior Tamara Seda leading the way with 10 boards to go with her eight points.