Middle Tennessee Defeats Delaware 78-66 in NCAAB Showdown
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 78, Delaware Blue Hens 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Delaware Blue Hens vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Delaware Blue Hens 78-66 at Murphy Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Delaware Blue Hens vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -650 (about 87% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Murphy Center, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders secured a 78-66 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens. This win was particularly significant for Middle Tennessee, which had been struggling in recent games, coming into this contest with a record of 13-14. The Blue Raiders had lost their last two games, including a narrow defeat to Delaware just two weeks prior, where they fell 88-89. This victory not only avenged that earlier loss but also provided a much-needed boost to their morale as they approach the end of the season.
Delaware, on the other hand, continued to face challenges, finishing the game with a record of 9-18. They had been inconsistent, winning four out of their last ten games but recently suffered a loss to Western Kentucky, which extended their current losing streak to one game. Their recent form has shown an average scoring of 70.5 points while allowing 75.2 points per game, indicating a defense that has struggled to contain opponents.
At home, Middle Tennessee's record was 1-3 over their last four games, while Delaware's away record stood at 3-2 in their last five games. However, the Blue Raiders managed to capitalize on their home advantage this time, demonstrating a stronger performance than in their previous encounters. The conditions at the Murphy Center were favorable for the Blue Raiders, who played in front of their home crowd, which likely contributed to their success.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have been dealing with their share of challenges throughout the season. This aspect can often play a crucial role in the performance of teams, especially as they navigate the latter part of the schedule.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Middle Tennessee favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 137.5 for the game. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Blue Raiders' ability to win, which they ultimately did, covering the spread in the process. The home money line was set at -650, while Delaware's was at +470, indicating a clear expectation of a Middle Tennessee victory.
As the game progressed, fans witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Blue Raiders' offensive capabilities. Key moments included free throws from Sean Smith and Kamari Lands, which helped to solidify their lead in the second half. The Blue Raiders maintained a consistent scoring rhythm, ultimately finishing the game with a strong performance that showcased their determination to turn their season around.
Overall, the matchup between Middle Tennessee and Delaware was not just a battle for victory but also a reflection of the struggles and resilience of both teams. With Middle Tennessee's win, they look to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season, while Delaware will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings to find success in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -10.5 | 137.5 o -105 / u -115 | Delaware Blue Hens +470 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -650 |
Leaders
- PointsSean Smith18Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsChris Loofe13Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsJustyn Fernandez22Delaware Blue Hens
- AssistsChristian Bliss2Delaware Blue Hens
- ReboundsMacon Emory7Delaware Blue Hens
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 2-8Streak L274.3 scored · 79.1 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L70-78at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 19
- L80-82at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 15
- W90-87at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 12
- L88-89at Delaware Blue HensFeb 7
- L84-88vs Florida International PanthersFeb 5
- L60-65vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 31
- L65-81vs Liberty FlamesJan 30
- L58-75at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 24
- W90-87vs Missouri State BearsJan 17
- L58-59at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 15
Delaware Blue Hens
Last 10: 4-6Streak L170.5 scored · 75.2 allowed per game3-2 away
- L87-88vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 19
- W76-67at Missouri State BearsFeb 14
- W68-66at Florida International PanthersFeb 13
- W89-88vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 7
- L69-75vs Liberty FlamesFeb 5
- L55-70at UTEP MinersFeb 1
- W73-64at New Mexico State AggiesJan 29
- L51-67at Liberty FlamesJan 24
- L68-97vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 17
- L69-70vs UTEP MinersJan 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Delaware Blue Hens | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-44 | 27-62 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 7-29 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 24 |
| Free throws | 18-21 | 17-19 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 5 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 40 |
| Fouls | 14 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 14 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-50Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-51Chris Loofe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-51Christian Bliss makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Christian Bliss makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-52Alec Oglesby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-53Alec Oglesby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-53Justyn Fernandez makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-55Chris Loofe makes layup (Alec Oglesby assists)
- 2nd Half41-57Torey Alston makes layup
- 2nd Half41-58Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-58Christian Bliss makes layup
- 2nd Half44-58Christian Bliss makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-60Jahvin Carter makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half46-60Justyn Fernandez makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half46-62Alec Oglesby makes layup (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half48-62Macon Emory makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half50-62Houston Emory makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-62Christian Bliss makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-64Chris Loofe makes layup
- 2nd Half52-66Sean Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half53-66Justyn Fernandez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Justyn Fernandez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-67Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-68Chris Loofe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-68Houston Emory makes 23-foot three point jumper (Macon Emory assists)
- 2nd Half57-70Jahvin Carter makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-70Jayden Taylor makes layup
- 2nd Half59-71Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-72Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-72Justyn Fernandez makes layup
- 2nd Half62-72Justyn Fernandez makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-73Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-74Tre Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-74Christian Bliss makes layup
- 2nd Half64-75Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-76Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-76Justyn Fernandez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-76Justyn Fernandez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-77Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-78Kamari Lands makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Delaware Blue Hens.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance4150
- OfficialsJohn Johnson, Chuck McCoy, Steve Divine
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond