Middle Tennessee erases 14-point deficit in 86-85 win over New Mexico State in overtime

Saturday, February 28

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

12 p.m.

Middle Tennessee

15-14,9-9CUSA

New Mexico State

13-15,6-12CUSA

OT 1

New Mexico St.

Middle Tenn.

2/28/2026 3:40:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Game Book

By: Anthony Fiorella / MTSU Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Jahvin Carter's 27 points were the most scored by a Middle Tennessee (15-14, 9-9 CUSA) player this season. With six second left in overtime, Carter cascaded down the lane and the New Mexico State (13-15, 6-12 CUSA) defense collapsed on him. That's when the Alcoa native made a senior-like play on senior day, floating a lob to Torey Alston who threw down the game winning alley-oop with 4.7 seconds left in an 86-85 victory. Carter's career-best performance helped not only win the game, but helped the Blue Raiders tie it late to force overtime after trailing by as much as 14 points with 10:27 to play.

It took nearly four minutes for either team to get on the board in the first half, with Sean Smith hitting a corner three to put Middle Tennessee on top 3-0 with 16:00 to play in the first half. The Middle Tennessee backcourt of Smith and Carter was in sync with each other, early, running the offense effectively after the drought.

Smith and Carter combined to finish the first half with 17 points and four assists. The duo helped lead a 7-2 Blue Raider run that spanned from 12:00 minutes down to 5:30 minutes. Middle Tennessee hit five baskets in a row in that span and seven of their last 10 to end the half, as did New Mexico State, however, which allowed them to take a 42-36 lead into the locker room.

The Aggies held a 9-1 advantage in second chance points and 8-1 lead on the offensive glass, closing the half with a 12-2 run even though Middle Tennessee was shooting 57 percent to New Mexico State's 45 percent from the field. Kamari Lands finished with seven points and Chris Loofe had three points and four rebounds. Torey Alston had six points to go with five boards.

In the closing minute, Middle Tennessee trailed by six and tied the game with 27 seconds left on a Carter three-point play, hitting a layup through contact and playing tough defense on New Mexico State's Jemel Jones to force a miss and overtime. Aside from Carter's career-high 27 points, he also had seven assists.

Alston netted his third consecutive double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds and Loofe had his third straight 10-plus rebound effort with 12. The Blue Raider bench scored 43 points thanks in large part to Carter, but Marcus Whitlock and Tre Green both had eight-point efforts.

Green, a four-year player, celebrated senior day along with Alec Ogelsby, Savon Wykle, Kamari Lands, James Dent Jr. and Sean Smith, who all got what likely will be one of the most memorable sendoffs for a senior in the Murphy Center for years to come.

Nick McDevitt: "That was awesome to win in that fashion on Senior Day," said Middle Tennessee Head Coach Nick McDevitt. "We started out well, and then they hit three's to close out the half and we weren't defending and rebounding. We ended up plus-five on the glass to get back in it. Jahvin Carter was terrific and it was after a tough stretch earlier. He was upset at a few plays, but from that point on he was just awesome and he found a way to get us going."

Tre Green: "We knew (Jemel Jones) could make shots, so I knew I needed to guard him as hard as possible," Green said. "I take a lot of pride in playing defense. Coming here as a 17-year old freshman, I really matured here at MTSU. It's been amazing, going through ups and downs and finding relationships with my brothers. I've had a great basketball experience."

By the Numbers
3: Torey Alston becomes the first player with three consecutive 10+ rebound games since Nick King in 2018. It's also the first time a player has had three consecutive double-doubles since King's run, marking the first time it's happened in the Nick McDevitt era.
2: Chris Loofe also hit 10+ rebounds for the third straight game, marking the first time two players have accomplished the feat together in the McDevitt era.
24: Rebounds in the second half for Middle Tennessee to New Mexico State's 14, allowing the Blue Raiders to close the gap and force overtime.
27: Carter's 27-point effort is the most for a Middle Tennessee player in a game this season.

Up Next
Middle Tennessee will close out the regular season on the road, with the next matchup coming in Miami against FIU on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. CDT. Coverage will be provided by ESPN+ and the Blue Raider Network.