Story by Tyler Lamb // Staff Writer
Photo by Gregory French // Staff Photographer
Freshman Alex Johnson dropped a career-high 29 points, as Middle Tennessee (18-7, 12-2 C-USA) overcame UAB (13-12, 6-8 C-USA) 77-72 in overtime.
Less then five minutes in the game, Middle Tennessee was down by six points. The Lady Raiders were able to settle down thanks to the veteran leadership of Ty Petty and Brea Edwards.
In the final minutes, Middle Tennessee, trailing 64-58, went on an 8-0 run. Edwards was fouled shooting a three and converted on all three free throws, Johnson followed with a basket cutting it to one score and Petty capped off the run with a huge three-pointer.
But with 29 seconds left, UAB’s Brittany Winborne scored on a layup tying the matchup at 66 all. The Blue Raiders were unable to get a shot off on the other end of the floor, forcing overtime.
Tied at 72 with 1:03 remaining, Petty knocked down a clutch three pointer. The Blazers were unable to connect on their next possession, as Middle Tennessee would hang on for a comeback victory, shooting 60 percent in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Johnson led the way with a career-high 29 points. Ty Petty finished the night with 15 points and 11 assists, while Abbey Sissom finished in double figures with 12 points.
With the win on Saturday night, the Blue Raiders remain in second place in the conference, trailing UTEP. Middle Tennessee will have four more opportunities to better their seeding heading into the C-USA Tournament.
The Blue Raiders continue their road stint, traveling to Western Kentucky (20-5, 11-3) next Thursday night. The game is expected to be televised by Fox College Sports with Tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m.
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To contact Sports Editor Connor Grott, email sports@mtsusidelines.com.
