Middle Tennessee breezes by FIU 65-52

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) Edward Simpson Jr., came off the bench to score 14 points and add three steals to lead Middle Tennessee to a 65-52 victory over FIU on Thursday night.

Reggie Upshaw Jr. added 11 points and six rebounds for the Blue Raiders (8-7, 1-1 Conference USA), Jacquez Rozier finished with 10 points and five boards.

Middle Tennessee was on point offensively much of the evening, hitting 52.1 percent of its field goals while dishing out 14 assists as a team. They also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 27-21, and forced the Golden Panthers into 17 turnovers.

The Blue Raiders held a 13 point lead at halftime, largely on the strength of a 16-5 run midway through the first half.

Dennis Mavin scored a game high 31 to lead FIU (8-7, 1-1). Adrian Diaz added eight points.