Belmont defeats Middle Tennessee 70-58

Dec 3, 2013, 10:52 pm

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- JJ Mann had a career-high 32 points as Belmont defeated Middle Tennessee 70-58, ending the Blue Raiders home winning streak at 33 games Tuesday night.

Middle Tennessee had the nation's longest regular-season home winning streak.

Belmont (8-2) came out hot, taking an 18-4 lead midway of the first period as Middle Tennessee (6-2) went scoreless for 7:39. The Blue Raiders (6-2) mounted a comeback to trail just 29-22 at the half.

A Shawn Jones dunk at the 10:02 mark of the second half closed the gap to 48-45. Jeff Laidig responded immediately with a 3-point shot to push Belmont's lead to 51-45. The Blue Raiders could not get closer.

Jones led Middle Tennessee with 21 points and 11 rebounds, his third double-double of the season. Belmont was 25 of 32 at the free-throw line, compared to Middle Tennessee's 14 of 23.