Middle Tennessee Defeats UTEP 77-67 in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Murphy Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 77, UTEP Miners 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 UTEP Miners vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat UTEP Miners 77-67 at Murphy Center on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup in the NCAAB, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders emerged victorious over the UTEP Miners with a final score of 77-67. The game took place at the Murphy Center, where Middle Tennessee showcased their ability to capitalize on home court advantage. This victory improves their overall record to 14-14, while UTEP falls to 10-18.
Middle Tennessee entered the game with a recent record of 3-7 over their last ten games, but they managed to snap a losing streak with this win, marking their first victory in their last two outings. The Blue Raiders had been averaging 76.3 points per game while allowing 79.8 points, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their last five games had seen them score an average of 81.2 points, suggesting a slight uptick in offensive performance despite their overall struggles.
UTEP, on the other hand, has faced challenges recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 69.1 points while allowing 70.5 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a scoring average of 70.6 points, indicating they have struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm.
In terms of home and away performance, Middle Tennessee holds a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while UTEP has a 1-3 record in their last five away games. This home advantage likely played a significant role in the outcome of the game.
The two teams had met previously three times in the last two seasons, with Middle Tennessee holding a 2-1 edge in the series. Their last encounter on January 9, 2026, resulted in a narrow defeat for Middle Tennessee, losing 80-83. However, they had previously won their last two meetings, including a close 76-75 victory on March 1, 2025.
Injury updates were not detailed in the provided facts, but both teams have experienced ups and downs throughout the season, which could have affected their lineups leading into this game.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Middle Tennessee favored by 8.5 points, with the total set at 139.5. The moneyline reflected a strong belief in a Blue Raiders victory, with odds of -410 for the home team and +320 for UTEP. These odds suggest that Middle Tennessee was expected to win, and they fulfilled those expectations.
The game conditions were not specified, but typically, factors such as crowd support, home court familiarity, and travel fatigue for the visiting team can impact performance.
Fans watching the game would have noted key moments in the second half, including crucial scoring plays that helped Middle Tennessee maintain their lead. Notable plays included a 23-foot three-point jumper by Trey Horton III and a series of free throws by Kamari Lands that extended their lead to 77-63 late in the game. UTEP's Elijah Jones also made significant contributions with a couple of dunks, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, this matchup highlighted Middle Tennessee's resilience at home and their ability to bounce back from recent struggles, while UTEP continues to seek answers to their inconsistent performances.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -8.5 | 139.5 o -105 / u -115 | UTEP Miners +320 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -410 |
Leaders
- PointsKamari Lands22Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsAlec Oglesby3Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsChris Loofe13Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsKaseem Watson24UTEP Miners
- AssistsKJ Thomas4UTEP Miners
- ReboundsElijah Jones6UTEP Miners
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 3-7Streak W176.3 scored · 79.8 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L60-65vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 31
- L65-81vs Liberty FlamesJan 30
- L58-75at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 24
- W90-87vs Missouri State BearsJan 17
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 4-6Streak L269.1 scored · 70.5 allowed per game1-3 away
- L63-67at New Mexico State AggiesFeb 22
- L64-73vs Liberty FlamesFeb 14
- W69-64at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 12
- W91-88vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 8
- L66-70at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 5
- W70-55vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 1
- L59-69vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 29
- L57-62vs Missouri State BearsJan 24
- W83-77vs Florida International PanthersJan 23
- L69-80at Liberty FlamesJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
| 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 | UTEP Miners | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-47 | 26-58 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 9-20 | 8-24 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 33 |
| Free throws | 12-17 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 3 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 23 |
| Assists | 8 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 24 |
| Fouls | 21 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 3 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-47Elijah Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half29-49Torey Alston makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half29-50Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half31-50Kaseem Watson makes 16-foot jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half31-52Alec Oglesby makes driving layup
- 2nd Half31-53Alec Oglesby makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half31-55Chris Loofe makes 2-foot dunk (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half32-55Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-55Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-55Elijah Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half35-58Alec Oglesby makes 25-foot three point jumper (Luka Jovanovic assists)
- 2nd Half37-58Cassius Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-59Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-60Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-60Kaseem Watson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-60Kaseem Watson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-61Alec Oglesby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-62Alec Oglesby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-62Kaseem Watson makes 23-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half46-64Kamari Lands makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-64Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-64Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-66Sean Smith makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half51-66Elijah Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-66Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-66Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-68Kamari Lands makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-68Kaseem Watson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-70Kamari Lands makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-70KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-70KJ Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-70Trey Horton III makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half60-71Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-71Trey Horton III makes 23-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half63-73Jahvin Carter makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-75Chris Loofe makes 1-foot dunk (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half63-76Kamari Lands makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-77Kamari Lands makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Elijah Jones makes 2-foot dunk (Trey Horton III assists)
- 2nd Half67-77Elijah Jones makes 2-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance3452
- OfficialsJames Breeding, Jason Baker, Bharat Ramnanan
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