Blog: Middle Tennessee leads MSU in second half

(Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP)Blue Raiders aren't going anywhere

MSU cut the Middle Tennessee lead to two at 45-43, but the Blue Raiders answered by making plays on the defensive end and pushing their lead back to eight at 51-43 with 15:24 remaining.

Matt Costello has 13 points and continues to thrive in the paint. If the Spartans can get a few more shot to fall from beyond the arc (they're 5-for-11), they should be in decent shape.

Jaqawn Raymond hit the first jumper of the half for Middle Tennessee to push its lead back to eight, but there was finally a Bryn Forbes sighting as the senior hit his first bucket of the day from 3-point land.

Reggie Upshaw has 13 points to pace the Blue Raiders, while…