Middle Tennessee defeats Tennessee State 74-66

Jan 7, 2014, 11:27 pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Neiko Hunter scored 19 points, making 11 of 13 free throws, as Middle Tennessee held on to defeat Tennessee State 74-66 Tuesday night.

Kerry Hammonds had 16 points, Shawn Jones added 14 and Reggie Upshaw had 10 for Middle Tennessee (10-5).

Middle Tennessee led 30-11 at the 6:30 mark of the first half and was ahead 39-28 at the break. Tennessee State closed to 54-52 with 8:42 remaining following two free throws by Jay Harris. Jones followed with two consecutive jump shots to stretch the lead to 58-52.

The Tigers came within three, 69-66, following a Kennedy Eubanks layup with 23 seconds remaining in the game. Hammonds then made three free throws and Hunter made two more in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory.

Patrick Miller led Tennessee State (2-15) with 22 points and M.J. Rhett added 10 with 12 rebounds.