BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On Sunday night, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders triumphed over UAB with a final score of 76-69, thanks in large part to Jestin Porter’s impressive performance where he scored 18 points.
Porter managed to make 6 of his 17 shots, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc, and converted 2 of 4 free throws. His teammates also contributed significantly, with Justin Bufford adding 15 points on 3 of 6 shooting, which included 2 of 5 from three-point range and an impressive 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Bufford’s performance included five rebounds as well. Additionally, Essam Mostafa scored 12 points while shooting 6 for 10 from the field.
For the UAB Blazers, Yaxel Lendeborg stood out by recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ja’Borri McGhee also made a significant contribution with 16 points, while Tyren Moore chipped in with another 12 points for the team.
Middle Tennessee seized the lead early in the game, starting with 16:57 remaining in the first half, and they maintained that lead throughout. Porter played a crucial role in their first-half dominance, scoring 10 points and helping the Blue Raiders to a 38-28 advantage at halftime. Although UAB managed to outscore Middle Tennessee in the second half by three points, the Blue Raiders held on for the victory, led by Bufford’s 11 points scored after the break.