BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Reggie Upshaw made two free throws with 2.9 seconds left to lift Middle Tennessee to a 55-53 victory over Old Dominion on Saturday in the Conference USA tournament championship game.
The Blue Raiders (24-9) earned their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2013 in a defensive struggle that was markedly different from their 99-90 semifinal shootout with Marshall.
Aaron Bacote dribbled once and launched a 3-pointer from before midcourt for Old Dominion (22-13).
That set off a celebration that included Upshaw standing on the scorer's table in front of Middle Tennessee fans at Legacy Arena.