The ECU men’s basketball team pulled off an improbable victory in Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday against a hard-nosed University of Alabama-Birmingham frontcourt.

With the six-game slide behind them and their first conference win under their belts, ECU is faced with their toughest conference matchup since Southern Miss, the University of Texas-El Paso (16-6, 6-1 C-USA).

With three players in double figures, Saturday’s win was all about spreading the floor and not settling for contested three-point shots. Against a UTEP team that’s won 11 out of their last 12 contests, Head Coach Jeff Lebo’s squad needs to stay consistent on the offensive front, penetrating down low and dishing to Michael Zangari and Caleb White.

Paris Roberts-Campbell had one of his better games on the season scoring, rebounding and sharing the basketball against UAB. He needs to mirror that performance and stay smart on the offensive front.

The Pirates also must play tight zone defense against a Miners team that has four players averaging double figures this season. McKenzie Moore, Julian Washburn, Vince Hunter and John Bohannon have the ability to take over games, so shutting them down will be the Pirates’ top priority come Thursday.

While the conference is likely out of reach with a 1-6 record, a win against a good team like UTEP has the ability to boost the young team’s confidence.

Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. in Minges Coliseum.