Middle Tennessee Edges Kennesaw State in Close Contest
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 68, Kennesaw State Owls 67, 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 Kennesaw State Owls vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Kennesaw State Owls 68-67 at Murphy Center on December 17, 2025.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders narrowly defeated the Kennesaw State Owls with a final score of 68-67. This game showcased the resilience of both teams, particularly as Middle Tennessee managed to secure the win despite a recent dip in form.
Middle Tennessee entered the game with a home record of 6-4 and a recent overall record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They had been struggling, losing their last match against the Belmont Bruins 62-83. Their average scoring during this stretch was 78.4 points per game, while they allowed 73.0 points. In their last five games, the Blue Raiders recorded a 2-3 record, averaging 73.8 points scored and 79.0 points allowed. Their performance at home had been more favorable, with a home record of 4-2 compared to a 1-3 record in away games.
On the other hand, Kennesaw State came into the game with a stronger away record of 8-3 and was riding a four-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Southern Wesleyan Warriors 121-66. In their last ten games, they boasted an impressive record of 8-2, averaging 97.2 points scored and allowing 75.2 points. Their last five games saw them maintain their form with a record of 4-1, scoring an average of 97.2 points while conceding 79.8 points. Kennesaw State's home record stood at 6-1, while they had a 2-1 record in away games.
Historically, Middle Tennessee had the upper hand in their previous meetings, holding a 2-0 record against Kennesaw State in the current season. They had previously faced each other twice in 2025, with Middle Tennessee winning both encounters by narrow margins: 84-79 at home on January 10 and 76-75 away on February 8.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams could have been influenced by their respective lineups. The matchup was held at Murphy Center, a venue that typically provides a strong home-court advantage for Middle Tennessee.
As for the betting market, DraftKings set the odds with Middle Tennessee favored by 3.5 points, indicating a competitive matchup. The total points over/under was set at 160.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game, which aligns with Kennesaw State's recent scoring averages.
The game conditions appeared favorable for both teams, contributing to the intensity of the matchup. Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half, where the scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Notable moments included Kamari Lands making a driving layup, which brought Kennesaw State within striking distance, and Chris Loofe's pivotal three-point jumper that helped Middle Tennessee maintain their lead.
Ultimately, Middle Tennessee's ability to hold off Kennesaw State in the closing moments of the game secured their victory, showcasing their determination and skill under pressure. The win not only boosts Middle Tennessee's confidence but also adds to the competitive narrative of their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -3.5 | 160.5 o -108 / u -112 | Kennesaw State Owls +145 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -175 |
Leaders
- PointsKamari Lands24Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsKamari Lands9Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsBraedan Lue20Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsBraedan Lue2Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman15Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.4 scored · 73 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L62-83vs Belmont BruinsDec 7
- W76-61vs UAB BlazersDec 2
- L62-72at McNeese CowboysNov 25
- L79-92vs George Washington RevolutionariesNov 24
- W90-87vs Murray State RacersNov 24
- L61-86at Michigan WolverinesNov 19
- W77-72at Evansville Purple AcesNov 13
- W109-56vs Webster GorloksNov 9
- W100-51vs Milligan BuffaloesNov 5
- L68-70at Jacksonville State GamecocksMar 14
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 8-2Streak W497.2 scored · 75.2 allowed per game2-1 away
- W121-66vs Southern Wesleyan WarriorsDec 8
- W92-69vs Georgia State PanthersDec 6
- W88-73vs Jackson State TigersDec 3
- W102-100at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 27
- L83-91at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 25
- W89-84vs Rice OwlsNov 24
- L89-108vs South Florida BullsNov 16
- W111-60vs Point SkyhawksNov 13
- W92-72at Florida A&M RattlersNov 8
- W105-29vs Paine LionsNov 4
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 | Kennesaw State Owls | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-63 | 19-56 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 3-20 | 6-22 |
| Three-point % | 15 | 27 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 24-32 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 24 |
| Assists | 8 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 7 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 18 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 4 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-42Chris Loofe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-44Torey Alston makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half35-44Trey Simpson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Simeon Cottle assists)
- 2nd Half35-47Kamari Lands makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half36-47Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-47Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-49Kamari Lands makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-50Alec Oglesby makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half37-51Alec Oglesby makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half39-51Amir Taylor makes layup (Trey Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half40-51Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-51Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-51Simeon Cottle makes layup
- 2nd Half45-51Frankquon Sherman makes layup (Braedan Lue assists)
- 2nd Half46-51Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-51Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-52Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-53Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Simeon Cottle makes layup
- 2nd Half49-55Sean Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half51-55Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half53-55RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half53-57Kamari Lands makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-57RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half55-58Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half55-59Kamari Lands makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half55-60Kamari Lands makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half55-61Sean Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-62Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-63Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-65Kamari Lands makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-65Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-65Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half63-65Braedan Lue makes layup
- 2nd Half63-68Chris Loofe makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half66-68Simeon Cottle makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance2812
- OfficialsChuck Jones, Todd Austin, Bharat Ramnanan, 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