Randy Culpepper scored 23 of his 31 points in the second half to help UTEP pull away for a 74-65 victory over Sam Houston State on Sunday.
Julyan Stone added 12 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Miners (12-3), who matched the school record for most wins entering conference play. Christian Polk had 13 points.
Gilberto Clavell led the Bearkats (7-6) with 21 points, and Marcus Williams had 11.
After Gabe McCulley's layup with 10:03 remaining gave UTEP its largest lead, 58-46, Clavell fueled a 9-0 run by Sam Houston State with six points to make it 58-55 with 7:16 to play. The Bearkats never got any closer, and the Miners held on to win their 10th straight at home.
UTEP trailed by 10 early before ending the first half with a 17-7 run to tie it at 32 entering intermission.
