CEDAR CITY, Utah — Middle Tennessee men's basketball fell to Southern Utah 69-63 Friday. The Blue Raiders jumped out to an early lead but could not overcome a 16-3 disparity in turnovers.
The Thunderbirds (4-8, 2-0 WAC) scored 21 points off turnovers, compared to MTSU's five. The Blue Raiders (5-8, 0-0 Conference USA) outrebounded the home team 41-33, but SUU won the second chance point battle 10-4.
Middle Tennessee jumped out to a 13-2 lead out of the gate and led 37-31 at halftime after lead-extending buzzer beater. The Thunderbirds outscored the Blue Raiders by 12 in the second half, taking advantage of 12-4 edge in personal fouls by going 7-for-10 from the free throw line while MTSU did not set foot on the charity stripe once after halftime.