UIW's turnover-heavy new offense must finish against UTEP's larger front line, limiting its routes to efficient scoring.
Fundamental Case (3 Drivers)
UIW committed more turnovers than it made field goals through its opening two games. Those giveaways remove opportunities before shooting improvement or offensive rebounding can help. Protecting the ball is therefore a separate requirement from simply making a more normal share of jump shots.
Erheriene faces a front line with both Cassia and Traore listed taller than him. That size can make direct interior finishes more demanding without requiring an immediate double-team. Keeping another defender attached to a shooter can also complicate the pass that follows an initial drive.
UIW has only one returning player and opened with poor shooting from the field and beyond the arc. New ball handlers and finishers must connect their timing before the first action consistently produces a clean attempt. A shooting recovery helps, but it does not automatically solve disrupted entries, late passes or possessions that never reach the intended scorer.
Red Team Counter-Case & Risk Factors
Connor and Habib can beat the first defender and reduce the possessions lost before a shot. Erheriene can draw the interior defenders into foul trouble and turn difficult finishes into free throws. A perimeter shooting rebound can convert those saved possessions into quick scoring. A competitive finish with intentional fouling, or an extra period, can add points beyond the normal half-court offense.