EL PASO, Texas (AP) Gavin Baechle kicked a 35-yard field goal midway in the fourth quarter to secure UTEP's 36-34 victory over Houston Baptist on Saturday night.

The game winner, with 8:15 remaining, was Baechle's third field goal of the evening.

The Huskies were driving to retake the lead on the next series when Chris Richardson sacked Bailey Zappe, causing a fumble that Justin Rogers recovered at UTEP's 26. The Miners were then able to run out the clock.

The season-opening victory was the first for UTEP since starting the 2016 season with a 38-22 win over New Mexico State. UTEP won just one game last year, defeating Rice 34-26.

Houston Baptist was 1-10 in each of the past two seasons.

The Miners took an early lead, going into the break ahead 20-17 after Baechle booted a 21-yarder as time expired in the first half. He started the scoring with a 30-yard field goal.

The Huskies took their final lead, 34-33, when Ean Beek scored from the 3 with 12:59 remaining.

Brandon Jones threw for 268 yards and a score for UTEP. Treyvon Hughes rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Zappe led HBU with 300 passing yards and two TDs.

Copyright 2019 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.