EL PASO, Texas -- Vince Hunter hit a jump shot with 43 seconds remaining and C.J. Cooper made two free throws with five seconds left to give UTEP a 67-64 come-from-behind victory over Western Illinois at the Sun Bowl Invitational Saturday night.

Western Illinois (5-8) led throughout most of the second half and held a 60-50 lead with 5:12 remaining in the game. But the Miners (9-5) scored nine straight points to close to 60-59 with 2:53 left to play. Western Illinois held off the Miners until Hunter's jump shot gave UTEP its first lead since the 17:51 mark of the second half.

Julian Washburn led the Miners with 18 points. John Bohannon contributed 15 points and had 12 rebounds. Hunter had 14 points.

Western Illinois was led by Garret Covington with 16 points.

UTEP won at the free throw line, making 29 of 39 attempts. The Leathernecks made 11 of 16.