Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
11-9,5-4CUSA
Liberty
18-3,10-0CUSA
Middle Tennessee drops first home game in CUSA play 81-65 to Liberty
1/29/2026 9:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee (11-9, 5-4 CUSA) couldn't overcome what was arguably Liberty's (18-3, 10-0 CUSA) best shooting game of the year in a 81-65 loss at home, the first loss in Conference USA play at home for the Blue Raiders this season.
Liberty was able to control the tempo early, jumping out to a 43-29 lead by halftime. Middle Tennessee did a good job on the offensive boards in the first half, out-rebounding Liberty 9-0 on the offensive glass to net them 12 second chance points to the Flames zero. The Blue Raiders were paced offensively by Sean Smith, who had 10 points and two rebounds off the bench. Torey Alston had six points, five rebounds and one block while Chris Loofe had two points, four rebounds and a block.
With just under 10 minutes to play, Middle Tennessee cut the lead down to single digits to make it a 60-52 game before Liberty went on a 10-0 run that was enough to put the game away.
Middle Tennessee controlled the overall rebounding margin in the game 33-23, finishing the game with 12 offensive rebounds and 18 second-chance points. Alston led the charge for Middle Tennessee with 20 points and 12 rebounds to earn his fourth double-double of the year. Smith finished with a season-high 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. Smith's six made three's were also a season-best mark.
Luka Jovanovic grabbed six rebounds, had two assists and a blocked shot in 23 minutes off the bench and Marcus Whitlock Jr. hit a pair of threes to give him six points in 19 minutes off the bench.
"We knew going in that this game was so much different than any other game we prepare for," said Middle Tennessee Head Coach Nick McDevitt. "They put you in spots you don't normally find yourself in. Their best players have played 90-plus games together, which is unique, and it showed."
By the Numbers
- 12.5: The Blue Raiders held the Flames to just 12.5 percent shooting from behind the arc in the second half.
- 5: Ten-plus point games off the bench this season now for Sean Smith.
- 19: Season-high in points for Sean Smith.
Up Next
Middle Tennessee will take on rival Western Kentucky at 3:00 p.m. at the Murphy Center on Saturday. The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network and can be heard on the Blue Raider Network.
