Louisiana Tech Defeats Middle Tennessee 80-69 in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Propst Arena
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 80, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 69, 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 80-69 at Propst Arena on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at Propst Arena, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs secured a decisive victory over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, winning 80-69. This game was significant as it showcased the Bulldogs' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, improving their record to 20-13, while the Blue Raiders fell to 17-16. Louisiana Tech's recent form has been strong, as they entered this game on a two-game winning streak, having achieved a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, with an average of 73.0 points scored and 69.7 points allowed. Their performance at home has been solid, with a 3-2 record in their last five home games and an average of 72.0 points scored while allowing 64.2 points.
Conversely, Middle Tennessee came into the game on a five-game winning streak, boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 80.1 points per game but also allowing 77.2 points. Their away performance has been a mixed bag, with a 3-3 record in their last six away games. The Blue Raiders had shown resilience, particularly in their last five games, where they averaged 77.8 points while conceding 69.6 points.
The two teams had faced each other five times in the past two seasons, with Louisiana Tech holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record at 3-2. In their most recent meeting on January 15, 2026, Louisiana Tech narrowly won 59-58 at home, while they had suffered a significant loss to Middle Tennessee earlier in the season, falling 51-88 on January 3, 2026. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the overall health of the teams could have played a role in their performance. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Middle Tennessee favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 134.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the home team being seen as slight underdogs despite their recent form.
The conditions at Propst Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, and both teams brought their best efforts to the court. Louisiana Tech's ability to execute in critical moments was evident, particularly in the second half where they maintained control of the game. Key scoring plays included a series of free throws from AJ Bates, who contributed significantly to the Bulldogs' scoring in the final minutes.
As the game progressed, Louisiana Tech's defense tightened, stifling Middle Tennessee's attempts to mount a comeback. The Bulldogs' ability to capitalize on turnovers and convert them into points was a critical factor in their victory. The final score of 80-69 underscored the Bulldogs' dominance, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Blue Raiders and sealed the win.
Overall, this matchup highlighted Louisiana Tech's strength at home and their ability to perform under pressure, while Middle Tennessee will need to regroup after this setback as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -1.5 | 134.5 o -105 / u -115 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -135 · Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +114 |
Leaders
- PointsAJ Bates29Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates6Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsAvery Thomas II9Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- PointsTre Green20Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsTorey Alston7Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Recent form
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 6-4Streak W273 scored · 69.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W81-38at Delaware Blue HensMar 7
- W76-71at Liberty FlamesMar 6
- L76-84vs Florida International PanthersFeb 28
- W72-70vs Missouri State BearsFeb 27
- L55-58at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 21
- W77-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 19
- L64-77at Florida International PanthersFeb 14
- W79-78at Missouri State BearsFeb 13
- W87-78vs Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 7
- L63-72vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 5
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 6-4Streak W580.1 scored · 77.2 allowed per game3-3 away
- W75-63at Missouri State BearsMar 7
- W73-67at Florida International PanthersMar 6
- W86-85vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 28
- W77-67vs UTEP MinersFeb 27
- W78-66vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 21
- 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
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 | 19-47 | 28-58 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 9-16 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 56 |
| Free throws | 21-33 | 15-19 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 28 |
| Fouls | 16 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-47Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-49Will Allen makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-49Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Kaden Cooper makes layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half42-51Tre Green makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half42-54AJ Bates makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Fenner assists)
- 2nd Half45-54Tre Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Jahvin Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half48-56AJ Bates makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-56Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-56Tre Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Tre Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-58Kaden Cooper makes 3-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half53-58Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Kaden Cooper makes 24-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half53-63Will Allen makes layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half53-65AJ Bates makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-65Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-65Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-67Avery Thomas II makes 13-foot jumper (Jaylen Fenner assists)
- 2nd Half56-67Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-69DJ Dudley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-69Kamari Lands makes layup
- 2nd Half61-69Tre Green makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half61-70Jaylen Fenner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-70Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72AJ Bates makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-73AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-74AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-74Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-76DJ Dudley makes layup (Kaden Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half66-76Sean Smith makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-77AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-78AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-78Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half69-78Jahvin Carter makes layup
- 2nd Half69-79AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-80AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, below favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Venue
- Propst ArenaHuntsville, AL
- Attendance3029
- OfficialsJason Baker, Steven Anderson, Landon Brandes
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