Louisiana Tech Edges Middle Tennessee in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Thomas Assembly Center
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 59, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 58, 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 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs beat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 59-58 at Thomas Assembly Center on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders with a final score of 59-58 at the Thomas Assembly Center. This game was significant as both teams entered with identical records of 10-7, making the stakes high for both sides as they sought to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.
The Bulldogs showcased a balanced performance, particularly in their recent form, where they had a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They had just come off a victory against the Delaware Blue Hens, winning 70-68, and were on a one-game winning streak. Louisiana Tech averaged 67.9 points scored while allowing 61.3 points in their recent ten-game stretch. At home, they boasted a strong record of 5-1, while they struggled away, going 0-4.
Conversely, the Blue Raiders had a slightly better recent form, with a record of 6-4 over the same span. They entered the game on a one-game winning streak after defeating the New Mexico State Aggies 59-55. Middle Tennessee averaged 69.7 points scored and allowed 66.6 points during their last ten games. Their away record, however, was a concern, sitting at 1-3, while they performed well at home with a 5-1 record.
Historically, this matchup has been competitive, with the head-to-head record standing at 2-2 over the last two seasons. In their most recent meeting on January 3, 2026, Middle Tennessee had decisively beaten Louisiana Tech 88-51. However, the Bulldogs managed to turn the tables in this encounter, demonstrating resilience and improvement since their last clash.
In terms of the market, DraftKings had priced Middle Tennessee as 3.5-point favorites, with a total set at 131.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with Middle Tennessee’s moneyline at -175 and Louisiana Tech’s at 145. The conditions for the game were typical for a January evening in Louisiana, with no significant weather impacts reported, allowing both teams to focus solely on their performance.
In a game characterized by defensive efforts and critical scoring plays, the Bulldogs were able to edge out the Blue Raiders in the final moments. The second half saw several key moments, including DJ Dudley making crucial free throws and a pivotal three-point jumper that ultimately put Louisiana Tech ahead. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the game, with Middle Tennessee holding a slight lead before the Bulldogs made their final push.
Fans watching the game witnessed a thrilling finish, with Louisiana Tech demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure, especially after a challenging start to the season. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also adds to their home record, reinforcing their strength at the Thomas Assembly Center. The game served as a testament to the competitive nature of NCAAB, where every point and possession can be decisive.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -3.5 | 131.5 o -110 / u -110 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -175 · Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +145 |
Leaders
- PointsDJ Dudley19Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates5Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsAvery Thomas II15Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- PointsKamari Lands13Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsKamari Lands5Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsTorey Alston9Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Recent form
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak W167.9 scored · 61.3 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W70-68vs Delaware Blue HensJan 10
- L56-72vs Liberty FlamesJan 9
- L61-66at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 4
- L51-88at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 3
- 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
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 6-4Streak W169.7 scored · 66.6 allowed per game1-3 away
- W59-55at New Mexico State AggiesJan 11
- L80-83at UTEP MinersJan 9
- W68-67vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 4
- W88-51vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 3
- 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
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 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-54 | 21-58 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 1-12 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 8 |
| Free throws | 9-18 | 16-21 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 23 |
| Assists | 14 | 8 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 38 |
| Fouls | 19 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 91 | 6 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half34-14Kamari Lands makes 3-foot dunk
- 1st Half34-15DJ Dudley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half34-16DJ Dudley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half34-18Jaylen Fenner makes layup
- 1st Half36-18Luka Jovanovic makes layup (Sean Smith assists)
- 1st Half36-19Scooter Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half38-19Torey Alston makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 1st Half38-21Melian Martinez makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (DJ Dudley assists)
- 1st Half40-21Jahvin Carter makes layup
- 2nd Half40-23AJ Bates makes layup
- 2nd Half40-25Avery Thomas II makes layup
- 2nd Half40-27Melian Martinez makes layup (DJ Dudley assists)
- 2nd Half40-28Avery Thomas II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-28Jahvin Carter makes layup
- 2nd Half42-30DJ Dudley makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-30Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-32DJ Dudley makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-33Jaylen Fenner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-35Melian Martinez makes 2-foot dunk (DJ Dudley assists)
- 2nd Half43-37AJ Bates makes layup
- 2nd Half45-37Luka Jovanovic makes layup
- 2nd Half48-37Chris Loofe makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half48-39Jaylen Fenner makes layup
- 2nd Half48-40Jaylen Fenner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-40Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-42AJ Bates makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-42Kamari Lands makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Jahvin Carter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half53-44Jaylen Fenner makes 2-foot dunk (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half55-44Luka Jovanovic makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half55-46AJ Bates makes layup
- 2nd Half55-48DJ Dudley makes layup
- 2nd Half55-49DJ Dudley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-51Avery Thomas II makes layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half58-51Tre Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half58-52DJ Dudley makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half58-53DJ Dudley makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half58-54DJ Dudley makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half58-56Jaylen Fenner makes layup
- 2nd Half58-59DJ Dudley makes 23-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, below favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Venue
- Thomas Assembly CenterRuston, LA
- Attendance2082
- OfficialsJosue Nieves, Shaun Seales, Eric Lowe
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