Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - Randy Culpepper drilled seven three-pointers on his way to a game-high 25 points, and sixth-seeded UTEP streaked past 11th- seeded SMU, 71-49, in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament at FedEx Forum.

Marvin Kilgore added 14 points and seven assists and Stefon Jackson contributed 10 and five helpers, as the Miners (18-12) advanced to take on third-seeded Houston at 3:30 p.m. (et) Thursday.

Bamba Fall led SMU (10-20) with 13 points and five rebounds, while Jon Killen totaled 10 points and nine assists. The Mustangs were held to 33 percent (15- for-45) shooting, committed 20 turnovers, and finished the season with just two wins away from their home court.

A 10-0 UTEP run, completed by Kilgore's breakaway lay-in, gave the Miners a 21-10 lead just ahead of the 12-minute mark, and another spurt late in the half carried them to a commanding 37-22 advantage at the break.

SMU opened the second half with a 10-2 burst to pull within seven, but the Miners quickly pushed the margin back to double digits on a Culpepper bucket and lay-in by Jackson.

Culpepper's three just beyond the 9 1/2-minute mark made it 54-41, and he followed a Jackson triple with another from beyond to stretch the lead to 60-43 with under eight minutes to go.

The deficit proved too much, and SMU never seriously threatened from there.