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...The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will travel to the Gentry Center to take on the Tennessee State Tigers this Saturday afternoon in College basketball action.
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders suffered their first loss of the season and fell to 2-1 on the year after being defeated by the Belmont Bruins, 69-63, this past Thursday. Middle Tennessee fought back from a 2nd half, double-digit deficit to take a 56-52 lead with 8:02 remaining, however, struggled offensively the rest of the way and secure the victory. Middle Tennessee shot 40.3% from the field and 29.4% (5-17) from beyond the arc in the loss. Leading the way for the Blue Raiders was Nick King who had 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Also contributing for the Blue Raiders was Giddy Potts (12 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals) and Brandon Walters (14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks, 2 steals). On the season, Middle Tennessee is averaging 79.7 ppg on 46.0% shooting from the field. The Blue Raiders are averaging 5.7 three-pointers per game on 29.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Middle Tennessee has been led by Nick King (23.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg), Brandon Walters (11.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 2.0 bpg), Giddy Potts (11.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.0 spg), and Antwain Johnson (8.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 spg). Defensively, Middle Tennessee is holding their opponents to an average of 62.7 ppg on 40.5% shooting from the field. The Blue Raiders have a rebound margin of 6.0 and a turnover margin of 5.7.
The Tennessee State Tigers picked up their first win of the season, improving to 1-1 on the year, after defeating the NAIA Reinhardt Eagles, 92-53, this past Monday. Tennessee State was outstanding on both sides of the court and had no trouble securing the victory after taking a 48-25 halftime lead. Tennessee State shot 54.5% from the field and out rebounded Reinhardt by a 48-32 margin. Leading the way for the Tigers was Delano Spencer who had 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Also chipping in for the Tigers was Ken’Darrius Hamilton (19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Kamar McKnight (14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist). On the season, Tennessee State is averaging 74.0 ppg on 44.4% shooting from the field. The Tigers are averaging 11.0 three-pointers per game on 38.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Tennessee State has been led by Delano Spencer (18.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.0 apg), Darreon Reddick (14.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 apg), Ken’Darrius Hamilton (11.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 bpg), and Christian Mekowulu (6.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg). Defensively, Tennessee State is allowing their opponents to average 72.5 ppg on 44.4% shooting from the field. The Tigers have a rebound margin of -3.0 and a turnover margin of 4.5.
The Blue Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games. The Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 however, are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Both Middle Tennessee and Tennessee State lost some of their key contributors from last year’s team, however, both teams are setup to once again make a run at their respective conference championships. Middle Tennessee is a solid defensive team that causes turnovers, however, shooting has been an issue early in the season the Blue Raiders rank just 282nd in three-pointers made per game and 268th in 3P-FG%. Tennessee State didn’t put up much of a fight against Kansas, however, they are an experienced team that can really light up from beyond the arc......
