The UTEP women didn't get a victory Friday against North Carolina State in the Paradise Jam, but what they did get was the knowledge that they took a big step forward.
The offensive issues didn't get solved in a 71-55 loss, but the Miners defended well and were competitive for all but the last half of the second quarter when a 19-3 Wolfpack run accounted for the entire final margin.
UTEP led 21-16 at the midpoint of that second quarter before that run, but by the time it was snapped North Carolina State had a 35-24 lead and was able to hold the Miners at arm's length the rest of the way.