Middle Tennessee Dominates Louisiana Tech 88-51
Friday, January 2, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 88, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 51, 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 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 88-51 at Murphy Center on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders triumphed over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs with a final score of 88-51. This game showcased a remarkable performance from the Blue Raiders, who have now improved their record to 9-5, while the Bulldogs fell to 8-6. The game took place at the Murphy Center, where Middle Tennessee has maintained a solid home record of 5-2 this season.
Both teams entered the game with identical overall records of 8-5, but their recent forms told different stories. Middle Tennessee had a mixed bag in their last ten games, posting a record of 5-5 and experiencing a one-game losing streak. They averaged 70.9 points scored per game while allowing 74.7 points. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 68.0 points while allowing 67.6 points. Their recent performance included a loss to the Houston Cougars, where they fell 60-69, but they had previously secured a win against the Cumberland Phoenix with a score of 74-58.
In contrast, Louisiana Tech had been on a roll, winning seven of their last ten games and riding a two-game winning streak into this contest. They averaged 71.8 points scored and allowed just 56.1 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them score an impressive average of 74.4 points while allowing only 48.4 points. Their most recent victory came against the UTEP Miners, where they won 75-63, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been competitive, with Middle Tennessee holding a 1-2 record against Louisiana Tech in their last three meetings. Earlier in the season, the Blue Raiders lost to the Bulldogs 69-75 on January 25, 2025, and again on February 21, 2025, by a score of 74-85. However, they managed to secure a close victory in their most recent encounter on March 14, 2025, winning 77-75.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams had been competing at a high level despite the challenges that often accompany a long season.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Middle Tennessee favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 134.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Blue Raiders' ability to perform well at home, where they had been more successful compared to their away record of 4-3.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, allowing both teams to focus on their strategies without external weather factors influencing play. Fans in attendance witnessed a display of offensive skill from Middle Tennessee, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively from Louisiana Tech.
Key moments in the game included a series of three-point shots from Tre Green and Marcus Whitlock Jr., who both contributed significantly to the scoring surge that defined the second half. Green made a notable 23-foot three-point jumper, while Whitlock Jr. followed suit with a 31-foot shot that capped off the Blue Raiders' scoring.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to Middle Tennessee's capabilities, as they not only secured a commanding victory but also demonstrated their potential as they move deeper into the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -6.5 | 134.5 o -112 / u -108 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +240 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -298 |
Leaders
- PointsAlec Oglesby25Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith6Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsLuka Jovanovic10Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsScooter Williams12Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates4Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsAvery Thomas II6Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 5-5Streak L170.9 scored · 74.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L60-69at Houston CougarsDec 30
- W74-58vs Cumberland PhoenixDec 21
- W68-67vs Kennesaw State OwlsDec 18
- 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
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 7-3Streak W271.8 scored · 56.1 allowed per game0-3 away
- W75-63vs UTEP MinersDec 30
- W90-37vs Dallas Christian CrusadersDec 22
- L53-61at Tulane Green WaveDec 18
- W65-44vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 13
- W89-37vs Ecclesia RoyalsDec 7
- L69-77at Georgia Southern EaglesDec 4
- W83-58vs Alcorn State BravesNov 29
- W75-73vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 27
- L51-60at Indiana State SycamoresNov 20
- W68-51vs Jackson State TigersNov 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 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 17-44 | 32-58 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 4-18 | 22-44 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 50 |
| Free throws | 13-19 | 2-8 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 25 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 23 |
| Assists | 7 | 22 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 18 |
| Fouls | 11 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 37 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 2 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half20-35Torey Alston makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 1st Half21-35Scooter Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-35Will Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-37Torey Alston makes layup
- 1st Half22-39Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half22-42Kamari Lands makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alec Oglesby assists)
- 2nd Half24-42AJ Bates makes driving layup
- 2nd Half24-45Jahvin Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half27-45DJ Dudley makes 26-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half27-46Alec Oglesby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half27-48Kamari Lands makes layup (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half27-50Luka Jovanovic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half29-50DJ Dudley makes layup
- 2nd Half31-50Kylan Howze makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half31-53Tre Green makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half31-56Alec Oglesby makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tre Green assists)
- 2nd Half31-59Alec Oglesby makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tre Green assists)
- 2nd Half31-62Jahvin Carter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half32-62Will Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-62Will Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-65Tre Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alec Oglesby assists)
- 2nd Half36-65Avery Thomas II makes 26-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half37-65DJ Dudley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-65AJ Bates makes layup
- 2nd Half39-68Alec Oglesby makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half40-68DJ Dudley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-68Scooter Williams makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half42-71Alec Oglesby makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half45-71Keegan Rowell makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-72Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-72DJ Dudley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-74Tre Green makes layup
- 2nd Half46-77Tre Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half48-77Scooter Williams makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half48-80Tre Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half48-82James Dent Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half49-82Melian Martinez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-82Melian Martinez makes 3-foot dunk (Scooter Williams assists)
- 2nd Half51-85Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half51-88Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 31-foot three point jumper (James Dent Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance3127
- OfficialsTodd Austin, Michael Husted, Michael Wallace
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