MTSU Blue Raiders Fall Short to Ranked Virginia

By Devin Jackson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

     MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The number four-ranked Virginia Cavaliers claimed victory over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, 75-52, on Nov. 21 during a home basketball game at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.

     The Cavaliers leading scorer, DeAndre Hunter, dominated the game and almost had a triple-double with 15 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in the win over the Blue Raiders. The 6-foot, 7-inch guard showed a complete all-around game after putting up tremendous numbers down the stretch in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot, 7-inch guard Junior Kyle Guy led the game in three-pointers after going three for nine from the perimeter while averaging 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds per game.

     The Blue Raider’s leading scorer was 6-foot, 2-inch guard Antonio Green from Tupelo, Mississippi. He led his team with 11 points, one assist, and one rebound. The Blue Raider’s second leading scorer is Reggie Scurry from Augusta, Georgia, who finished with 20 points, two rebounds, and two steals.

     Virginia (4-0) put on a defensive show in the second half while only allowing 27 points, which were two points more than the first half.

     The turning point of the basketball game was when Hunter made a three-point jumper, which put the Cavaliers up by 10 points within the first few minutes of the game. The Cavaliers then sparked a 21 to six run until the Blue Raiders finally made a three-point shot in transition by Green.

The Cavaliers did not lose their poise in the fourth quarter after the Blue Raiders sparked a six to nothing run. The Cavaliers were just a little too experienced to give up its huge lead.

     "Experience plays a major key in this," said Virginia guard Braxton Key, who had 13 points on three-for-eight shooting from the field. "We played tremendously tough from start to finish. We knew the lights would be on us tonight, and we came out and played great."

     Although this is Nick McDevitt’s first year as head coach, he seemed to feel excited about his team 3-2 record, which is above 500.

     "I didn't love our effort on the defensive or offensive end tonight," McDevitt said. “We have a lot of work to do, but our team knows we played against a really good team tonight. We have to play better on both sides of the ball. We will learn and watch film and get better."

     Virginia will advance to the semifinals, while the Blue Raiders will prepare to face Butler, another good team in the tournament, on Nov. 22 at the Murphy Center.

     For more information about the Blue Raiders and upcoming games, visit www.goblueraiders.com to get seasonal tickets all year round.