By GREG MENGELT
Jefferson, who helped lead New Albany to the 2016 state championship and came into the contest as the Blue Raiders leading scorer at 14 points per game, needed just 13 shots to get 30 points. He was 9 for 13 from the field, 4 for 7 from deep and made eight of his nine free throw attempts as Middle Tennessee won its third straight game and earned its eighth win in its last nine games.
Jefferson also had five rebounds and an assist in his 25 minutes on on the floor. Sophomore Tyler Millin added 11 points and junior Deandre Dishman had 12 for the Raiders, who improve to 17-7 overall and 8-3 in Conference USA. They’re currently a half-game ahead of Florida Atlantic atop the East Division.
Charlotte junior guard Jahmir Young — Conference USA’s third-leading scorer at 19.5 points per game — scored 26 to pace the 49ers.
Middle Tennessee will look for its fourth straight win Thursday when it goes to Florida International (14-11, 4-8) for a 7 p.m. start. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
