Western Kentucky Edges Middle Tennessee in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 82, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 80, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 82-80 at E.A. Diddle Arena on February 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers triumphed over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders with a final score of 82-80. This game, held at E.A. Diddle Arena, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, making it a notable fixture in the NCAAB calendar. With this victory, Western Kentucky improved its record to 15-11, while Middle Tennessee fell to 12-14.
Both teams entered the game with fluctuating recent form. Western Kentucky had a record of 4-6 in their last 10 games, with an average of 69.1 points scored and 71.1 points allowed. Their most recent game before this victory was a win against Florida International Panthers, where they secured an 80-70 victory on February 7. At home, they had a record of 2-3 in their last five games, averaging 67.6 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. In contrast, Middle Tennessee struggled with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games, averaging 73.2 points scored and allowing 76.9 points. They had a recent win against Kennesaw State Owls, winning 90-87 on February 12, but their overall away record in the last five games was 1-4.
The matchup was particularly significant given the history between the two teams. In their previous meetings during the current season, Western Kentucky had won their earlier encounter on January 31, 2026, with a score of 65-60. However, Middle Tennessee had the upper hand in their previous two encounters in the 2025 season, winning both games. This game marked a crucial moment for Western Kentucky as they aimed to establish dominance in this rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this important matchup. The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings listing Western Kentucky as 3.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -170 for the Hilltoppers and +142 for the Blue Raiders. The total points over/under was set at 145.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game.
The conditions during the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the match, with multiple lead changes in the second half. Key moments included Kamari Lands hitting a critical three-pointer to put Middle Tennessee ahead, followed by a series of free throws from Teagan Moore that ultimately sealed the game for Western Kentucky.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides. The final moments were particularly tense, with the score tied at 80 before Teagan Moore's free throws provided the winning margin for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers' ability to execute under pressure proved decisive in their victory.
In summary, this thrilling encounter not only highlighted the competitive nature of the NCAAB but also underscored the importance of home-court advantage for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers' recent form and their ability to perform in crucial moments were key factors in their success over Middle Tennessee.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -3.5 | 145.5 o -105 / u -115 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders +142 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -170 |
Leaders
- PointsTeagan Moore28Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix7Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsGrant Newell7Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsKamari Lands20Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsSean Smith7Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsKamari Lands5Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W169.1 scored · 71.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W80-70vs Florida International PanthersFeb 7
- L66-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 6
- W65-60at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 31
- L69-72at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 29
- L58-73at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 24
- L69-76vs Liberty FlamesJan 22
- L65-81vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 17
- W87-72vs Missouri State BearsJan 15
- W68-56at UTEP MinersJan 10
- L64-80at New Mexico State AggiesJan 9
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 3-7Streak W173.2 scored · 76.9 allowed per game2-4 away
- 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
- W59-55at New Mexico State AggiesJan 11
- L80-83at UTEP MinersJan 9
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-66 | 23-47 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 36 |
| Free throws | 9-13 | 28-32 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 14 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 30 |
| Fouls | 23 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 25 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-55Luka Jovanovic makes layup
- 2nd Half47-56Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57Sean Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-58Blaise Keita makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-59Blaise Keita makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59Chris Loofe makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Sean Smith makes 17-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half55-59Chris Loofe makes 2-foot dunk (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half55-60Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Kamari Lands makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half57-62Teagan Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-62Chris Loofe makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half62-62Sean Smith makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half62-64Grant Newell makes layup (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half65-64Kamari Lands makes 24-foot three point jumper (Marcus Whitlock Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Terrion Murdix makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Luka Jovanovic makes layup (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half69-66Sean Smith makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-67Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Alec Oglesby makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half73-70Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-70Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-71Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Ryan Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Torey Alston makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half76-73Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-74Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-76Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-76Kamari Lands makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half79-77Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-78Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-80LJ Hackman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half80-80Sean Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-81Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-82Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance4023
- OfficialsRodrick Dixon, Hunter Allen, Klajdi Mulla
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