By GREG MENGELT
MARTIN, Tenn. — Josh Jefferson and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat in-state rival UT Martin for the second time in 10 days Saturday with an 84-75 road victory at Skyhawk Arena.
Middle Tennessee (8-2) beat the Skyhawks 73-61 last Wednesday, as well.
Jefferson, a former New Albany standout, struggled from the field, going 2 for 9 overall and 1 for 5 from deep, but he got plenty of help from his teammates. Sophomore guard Eli Lawrence — the team’s leading scorer at 13.3 points per game — had a season-high 21. Senior guard Donovan Sims and junior forward DeAndre Dishman added 15 apiece for the Blue Raiders, who were 9 of 20 from behind the 3-point line (45 percent).
Jefferson was scoreless until two free throw with 1:02 left in the first half that gave Middle Tennessee a 43-37 lead. The Raiders pulled away a bit early in the second half and Jefferson’s 3 — on an assist from Sims — gave the Raiders a 71-56 advantage.
Jefferson’s final basket — on a layup — put Middle Tennessee up 74-63 with 4:25 remaining. The Raider senior also had a rebound, an assist and a blocked shot.
Junior guard KJ Simon led the Skyhawks (3-7) with 21 points.
MIddle Tennessee goes to Ole Miss on Wednesday to take on the 6-3 Rebels. Mississippi lost at home to Western Kentucky 71-48 on Saturday. Jefferson and the Raiders can be seen against Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.
.@Josh_Jefferson1 all the way from New Albany ☄️
2H | 7:40
MT 71. UTM 59#MT pic.twitter.com/omON9vfiSc— MT Basketball (@MT_MBB) December 12, 2021
