Tech Wallops Blue Raiders 87-63

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's first visit to Tennessee Tech since 2000 didn't turn out the way many had expected.

With most in attendance expecting a hard-fought, close contest, the Golden Eagles turned in an outstanding offensive performance and routed the Blue Raiders 87-63.

After battling to take a two-point lead at 12-10 on a Marcus Robinson trey with 15:22 left in the first half, the Blue Raiders fell into a funk and found themselves down 10 with 8:44 to play in the opening period.

The Tech offense was relentless, leading by as many as 21 in the first half and shooting a sizzling 64 percent at the intermission.

The second half saw the Blue Raider offense get a little more on track. The team shot 45.5 percent from the field in the game, up from the dismal 33.3 percent shot in the opening stanza. Tech, however, managed to outscore the Blue Raiders 39-34 in the second half to cruise to the 24-point win.

Bryan Smithson led the Blue Raiders with 14 points while Marcus Robinson and Tommy Gunn each scored 11. Alex Weekes led the team on the boards with nine.

Will Moore led Tech scored 18 points to lead Tech. Five other Golden Eagles posted double figures in scoring.

The Blue Raiders will take six days off for final exams before hitting the court again on Dec. 13 against Tennessee Wesleyan.

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