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...The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will travel to the Thomas Assembly Center to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs this Saturday night in College Basketball action.
The Middle Tennessee won their 8th straight game and improved to 21-5 (13-1 C-USA) on the season after defeating the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, 72-62, this past Thursday. Middle Tennessee picked up their defensive effort in the 2nd half and was able to pull away in the 2nd half after holding Southern Mississippi scoreless over the final 7:15 of regulation. Middle Tennessee shot 49.1% from the field and 43.5% (10-23) from beyond the arc in victory. Leading the way for the Blue Raiders was Nick King who had a double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. On the season, Middle Tennessee is averaging 74.5 ppg on 46.3% shooting from the field. The Blue Raiders are averaging 6.9 three-pointers per game on 35.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Middle Tennessee has been led by Nick King (21.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.0 apg), Giddy Potts (12.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.5 spg), Antwain Johnson (9.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.9 apg), and Tyrik Dixon (5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.0 spg). Defensively, Middle Tennessee is holding their opponents to an average of 65.6 ppg on 42.8% shooting from the field. The Blue Raiders have a rebound margin of 5.8 and a turnover margin of 1.2.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs improved to 16-11 (7-7 C-USA) on the season after defeating the UAB Blazers, 73-60, this past Thursday. Louisiana Tech led by a 36-32 margin at halftime and used a strong defensive 2nd half in which the Bulldogs limited the Blazer to just 28-points, to pull away for the victory. Louisiana Tech held UAB to just 35.9% shooting from the field and 31.8% (7-22) from beyond the arc in the win. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Anthony Duruji who had 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. On the season, Louisiana Tech is averaging 76.7 ppg on 45.8% shooting from the field. The Bulldogs are averaging 8.8 three-pointers per game on 38.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Louisiana Tech has been led by Jalen Harris (15.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg), Jacobi Boykins (14.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.0 spg), DaQuan Bracey (14.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.0 spg), and Derric Jean (9.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.0 spg). Defensively, Louisiana Tech is allowing their opponents to average 70.4 ppg on 43.5% shooting from the field. The Bulldogs have a rebound margin of 0.3 and a turnover margin of 0.6.
The Blue Raiders are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 26-12 ATS in their last 38 games vs. C-USA opponents. The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Middle Tennessee continues to roll through C-USA play and has been led by their defense this season that ranks 29th in scoring defense, 115th in defensive FG%, and t-30th in rebound margin. Louisiana Tech has won 6 of their last 8 games and has been solid on both ends of the court this season as the Bulldogs rank 98th in scoring offense, 32nd in 3P-FG%, and 131st in scoring defense. Louisiana Tech is an impressive 11-4 at home this season and as the Bulldogs have had success at home against Middle Tennessee, winning the last two matchups by a 10-point margin.....
