Blue Raiders Edge Bearkats in Nail-Biter Finish
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 68, Sam Houston Bearkats 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 Sam Houston Bearkats vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Sam Houston Bearkats 68-67 at Murphy Center on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Sam Houston Bearkats vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling contest at the Murphy Center, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders narrowly defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 68-67. This matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Middle Tennessee improving their home record to 10-5, while Sam Houston fell to 8-7 overall.
Middle Tennessee entered the game with a mixed recent form, holding a 5-5 record over their last ten games. They had just come off a significant victory against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, winning decisively 88-51 on January 3. Their scoring average during this stretch was 72.0 points per game, while they allowed an average of 72.6 points. At home, they boasted a solid record of 5-2, but struggled on the road with an 0-3 record.
On the other hand, Sam Houston had been performing well in their recent games, recording a 7-3 record in their last ten outings. They had a high scoring average of 89.7 points per game, but also allowed 75.7 points, indicating a propensity for high-scoring affairs. Their last game resulted in a loss against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where they fell 91-102 on January 2. Sam Houston's away record was 4-3, showing they could compete effectively outside their home venue.
Historically, the Blue Raiders have had the upper hand in their previous meetings with the Bearkats, winning both encounters in the 2025 season. The first matchup resulted in a close 77-75 victory for Middle Tennessee on January 24, followed by a 74-70 win at home on February 22.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, so the impact of any potential absences on either side remains unclear. However, the competitive nature of the game suggests that both teams were likely at or near full strength.
As for the betting market, DraftKings had the Blue Raiders favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds for the home money line were -218.0, while the away money line for the Bearkats was set at 180.0. The spread indicated a close contest, which was reflected in the final score.
The game conditions were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere at the Murphy Center typically provides a strong home-court advantage for the Blue Raiders. Fans witnessed a tightly contested game, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the second half.
Viewers were treated to a series of exciting scoring plays in the final minutes. Notable moments included a layup by Veljko Ilic that brought the Bearkats within one point at 61-60, followed by a turnaround jump shot from Kamari Lands that put the Blue Raiders back in front. The game continued to see back-and-forth scoring, with Torey Alston's dunk ultimately sealing the victory for Middle Tennessee.
In summary, the Blue Raiders' victory over the Bearkats highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while also showcasing the offensive firepower of both teams. The match was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, leaving fans eager for the next encounter.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -4.5 | 156.5 o -110 / u -110 | Sam Houston Bearkats +180 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -218 |
Leaders
- PointsJahvin Carter16Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsJahvin Carter4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsChris Loofe10Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsVeljko Ilic16Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsVeljko Ilic3Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsVeljko Ilic13Sam Houston Bearkats
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 5-5Streak W172 scored · 72.6 allowed per game5-2 at home
- 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
- L79-92vs George Washington RevolutionariesNov 24
- W90-87vs Murray State RacersNov 24
- L61-86at Michigan WolverinesNov 19
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 7-3Streak L189.7 scored · 75.7 allowed per game4-3 away
- L91-102at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 2
- W117-57vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 28
- L78-87at New Mexico State AggiesDec 21
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
- W82-70at Texas Southern TigersDec 6
- L83-93at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 3
- W94-68at Idaho VandalsNov 29
- W84-81at Idaho State BengalsNov 26
- W105-54vs Schreiner MountaineersNov 22
- W78-70vs Wyoming CowboysNov 20
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 | Sam Houston Bearkats | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-56 | 24-62 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 5-11 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 38 |
| Free throws | 8-12 | 9-10 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 11 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 13 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 20 | 73 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half22-32Jaxson Ford makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 1st Half25-32Po'Boigh King makes 23-foot three point jumper (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 1st Half27-32Damon Nicholas Jr. makes driving layup
- 1st Half27-34Torey Alston makes layup (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 1st Half29-34Veljko Ilic makes layup
- 1st Half31-34Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 1st Half34-34Po'Boigh King makes 23-foot three point jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half34-37Jahvin Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half37-37Damon Nicholas Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half39-37Justin Begg makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-39Chris Loofe makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-39Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half41-42Jahvin Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-42Veljko Ilic makes layup
- 2nd Half44-42Isaiah Manning makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-42Isaiah Manning makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-44Jahvin Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-47Kamari Lands makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half45-49Kamari Lands makes layup (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-50Veljko Ilic makes layup (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half47-53Sean Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-53Jacob Walker makes 26-foot three point jumper (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-53Jacobe Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half53-56Sean Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-57Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-58Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Jacobe Coleman makes 22-foot three point jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half56-60Torey Alston makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-60Jacob Walker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-60Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-60Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Kamari Lands makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-62Kashie Natt makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-64Sean Smith makes 19-foot jumper (Chris Loofe assists)
- 2nd Half65-64Po'Boigh King makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-66Torey Alston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-66Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Sam Houston Bearkats.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance3212
- OfficialsRob Rorke, Landon Brandes, Chase Shaw
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