Story by David Chamberlain / Assistant Sports Editor
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders men’s basketball team returned to action against Arkansas Fort Smith for the first exhibition game of the 2017-2018 season. Though they struggled on defense and at the free throw line early, the Blue Raiders new faces and returning talent led to an 85-55 win.
Senior Giddy Potts was as dominant as ever, scoring 25 points to lead MTSU to the win. Newcomer Nick King showed shades of the athleticism the team got him for with 16 points of his own, while James Hawthorne rounded out the trio of double-digit scorers with ten points in his Blue Raider debut.
Photos from the game can be seen below.
Junior Karl Gamble goes up for a block against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Senior Nick King dribbles against a defender against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Head coach Kermit Davis calls out a play for his team against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Junior David Simmons dives for a loose ball against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Senior Giddy Potts squares up for a free throw against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Senior Nick King slams the ball down in traffic against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Sophomore Tyrik Dixon dribbles the ball against a defender against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Senior Giddy Potts fires a three against Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 2, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
