Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
5-9,0-0CUSA
Murray State
4-9,1-1MVC
Second half woes fell Blue Raiders at Racers
12/30/2023 5:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MTSU led by 10 in the first half before offensive struggles let Murray State race away
MURRAY, Ky. — Middle Tennessee men's basketball raced out to a hot start but could not sustain it on Saturday afternoon at the CFSB Center, falling to Murray State 75-54.
MTSU (5-9) led by as many as 10 points in the first half, powered by a renewed energy from the return of frequent full court presses, but Murray State (4-9) was able to get into transition and even up the score, using strong outside shooting to take a 35-31 lead into the locker room at the break.
But a poor start to the second half offensively for the Blue Raiders, missing 4-of-5 to start the second half, helped the Racers jump even further ahead with a 16-4 run. MTSU would cut the lead to as few as eight points with eight minutes to play, but poor shooting second half shooting (6-for-20, 30 percent) and frequent turnovers (18 for the game, 10 for the half) proved too much to overcome.
Elias King was the sole Blue Raider in double figures, scoring 16 points while grabbing six rebounds. Jacob Johnson was next best on the score sheet, scoring nine points with six rebounds. Chris Loofe grabbed a team-high seven rebounds off the bench, while O'zhell Jackson scored a season-high five points.
By the Numbers
20/6: Points in the paint in the second half for Murray State and MTSU, respectively. While MTSU was successful at getting into the lane in the first 20 minutes, holding a 22-14 advantage in points in the paint at the half, the Racers jammed up driving lanes while beating the Blue Raiders off the dribble in the second half, resulting in plenty of chances at the rim.
6: First half turnovers for the Racers, resulting in just four points off turnovers in the game's first 20 minutes. MTSU would turn Murray State over just three times in the second half, resulting in five points for MTSU, while the Races added 11 points in the second half off 10 Blue Raider turnovers.
5-for-24: MTSU's shooting for three points on Saturday. The Blue Raiders found open shots, particularly in the first half, but could not knock them down, opening the door for the Racers to claim the lead at the half.
Blue Raider Notes
- O'zhell Jackson's five points were a new season high.
- Tre Green made the first 3-pointer of his career after entering the game with 17 straight misses to start his career. His four points were a career high.
- After a pair of blocks Saturday, Loofe has rejected 10 shots over his last six games and took sole possession of the team lead with 13 on the season.
Thoughts from Head Coach Nick McDevitt
"We were able to press them early in the game, or at least set up multiple presses. We were scoring the ball, so we could set up our press. And then once we hit dry spells, we weren't able to get into our press. And then even on made shots, it looked as if they decided 'Let's not face any of the pressure in the backcourt, whether they score or not. Get it in or get defensive rebounds and let's go.' I thought we gave up a couple of easy ones on made baskets by us in the first half.
"When you're not able make free throws, particularly the second ones to set up a press. We shot 20 percent from three. Then your ball care has to be at a high level. We ended up with 18 turnovers. You just can't do both and win on the road."
Up Next
The Blue Raiders will host their final non-conference game of the season in the middle of this week, taking on NAIA Reinhardt on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Tipoff in the Glass House is set for 6:30 p.m.
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