Jefferson, Raiders win low-scoring game against FIU

By GREG MENGELT

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Josh Jefferson and the Middle Tennessee Raiders held Florida International to 13 of 57 shooting (22.8 percent) and cruised to a low-scoring 50-39 victory on Saturday at the Murphy Center.

Jefferson, a former New Albany star, finished with 12 points, four rebounds, two blocked shots and a steal as the Raiders won their second straight game and improved to 11-6 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA play.

Middle Tennessee itself shot just 31.9 percent (15 of 47) in the win. The Raiders were led by senior guard Donovan Sims’ 14 points.

No FIU player scored more than seven points. The Panthers are now 10-7 overall but 0-4 in Conference USA. They’ve lost three consecutive games.

The Blue Raiders host Southern Miss next Saturday at 6 p.m. The Golden Eagles are 5-10 overall and have lost eight of their last 10. The game can be seen on ESPN Plus.