The Blue Raiders (19-3, 9-0) had their hands full when they went up against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (14-8, 6-3) Saturday night at home. Down 28-17, the team stormed back to not only take the lead, but run away with it as well. MTSU would go on to win by 10 points, 71-61.
Middle Tennessee was lead by JaCorey Williams with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Giddy Potts followed closely with 17 points and seven rebounds while Upshaw contributed 14 points of his own.
Aside from the action on the court, both team’s were supporting college basketball’s Coaches vs. Cancer week by “Lacing it up for Lacy”, a young girl who loved basketball, but tragically lost her battle with cancer at the age of eight in 2014. Saturday night, both team’s coaching staffs wore sneakers and suits, while the players wore neon shoe strings.
Giddy Potts hangs in the air for a jump shot during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Antwain Johnson drives to the hoop against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Members of Alpha Omicron Pi were present during Saturday night’s win over Louisiana Tech. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Senior forward JaCorey Williams knocks down a 15-footer during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
MTSU’s Band of Blue breaks it down during a timeout in Saturday’s win over Louisiana Tech. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The MT Dance Team showing off their moves in a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
MTSU mascot, Lighting, during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Guard Xavier Habersham during the starting lineups for a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The Middle Tennessee bench celebrates after a made 3-pointer against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The entire team wore neon laces in support of “Lace up for Lacy” night on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/ Sports Editor)
Head Coach Kermit Davis supporting “Coaches vs. Cancer” by wearing sneakers with his suit during Saturday night’s game against Louisiana Tech. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The men’s basketball team breaks it down before tip-off against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Giddy Potts lays the ball in during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Reggie Upshaw drives on a defender during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The Blue Zoo, MTSU’s student section, cheering during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Reggie Upshaw going up strong to the basket during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Junior Giddy Potts soars to the rim during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Antwain Johnson fires a wide-open three during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Reggie Upshaw delivers a two-handed slam during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The basketball team exited after the game through the student section on Saturday night, thanking them for coming. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
The MTSU bench celebrates after a big during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Giddy Potts and Kermit Davis clap after forcing a turnover late in the game game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
MTSU students, MT Dance Team, and the Band of Blue cheer on the Blue Raiders during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Seniors Reggie Upshaw and JaCorey Williams heading to shake hands after an emotional 71-61 win over La Tech. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
JaCorey Williams backing down a defender during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Giddy Potts shooting over a Bulldog player during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
A crowd of 7,805 was on hand to witness MTSU’s 10-point win over LA Tech. (Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Giddy Potts pulls up for a jumper against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. ( Photo by Tyler Lamb/Sports Editor)
Reggie Upshaw dribbles to the basket during a game against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 29, 2017. (MTSU Sidelines/Tyler Lamb)
Follow MTSU Men’s Basketball beat writers Tyler Lamb (@Tlamb35) and Rusty Ellis (@RustyEllis13) on Twitter for more coverage.
Feature Photo by Erin Douglas
Story by Willie Phaler
CHATTANOOGA, TN- The Oakland Patriots completed their 2023 revenge tour, winning the 2024 6A BlueCross Bowl, defeating the Houston Mustangs 42-20.
Oakland (14-1) and Houston (12-3) are familiar foes on the big stage, as the two schools squared off in last year’s championship game with Houston prevailing, 24-9.
