Middle Tennessee has strong 2nd half, beats S. Alabama 68-55

Dec 5, 2016, 08:31 pm

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Darnell Harris had 20 points and Giddy Potts added 17 and grabbed 14 rebounds as Middle Tennessee had a strong second half to beat South Alabama 68-55 on Saturday night.

Middle Tennessee (5-2) had a 31-29 lead at the break but the Jaguars opened the second with an 8-4 run to lead 37-35 at the 16:24 mark. Potts and Xavier Habersham answered with back-to-back 3-pointers to start a 16-3 run and never trailed again.

The Blue Raiders, who have beaten South Alabama eight straight times, nailed 11 of 19 from beyond the arc. Middle Tennessee shot 22 of 48 (45.8%) from the floor while limiting South Alabama to 20-of-59 (33.9%) shooting. Middle Tennessee also controlled the boards, grabbing 45 compared to South Alabama's 30.

Harris was 3 of 3 from beyond the arc and had three assists. Perrin Buford added 11 points.

Shaq Calhoun led South Alabama (3-5) with 20 points.