Photo by Sarah Grace Taylor // Managing Editor
The Blue Raiders lead Michigan State 41-35 at the half, due to strong rebounding and lights-out three-point shooting.
Middle Tennessee started the game 6-for-6 from the field, jumping out to an early 15-2 lead over National Championship favorite Michigan State on Friday afternoon.
Darnell Harris nailed a jumper at the top of the key to get the scoring started, and the Blue Raiders continued to pile it on.
JaQawn Raymond was able to keep Denzel Valentine quiet for much of the first half, as Valentine started the game off 0-for-3 from the field. Valentine finished the first half with 8 points on 3-for-7 shooting from the field.
Reggie Upshaw found some open looks toward the end of the first half, sinking back-to-back three’s to give MTSU some much-needed momentum. Upshaw finished the half with 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting from the field.
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