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The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders walked into the Nashville Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night and took down the Toledo Rockets 73-70 in overtime to clinch the Challenge in Music City tournament. The Blue Raiders were led by senior JaCorey Williams with 31 points.
The Rockets came out firing from all cylinders. Toledo took a 30-22 lead at half, but could not stop Middle Tennessee in the second half as they proceeded to shoot 59 percent from the field. Turnovers really halted any momentum the Rockets tried to come up with, turning over the ball 16 times to the Blue Raiders four.
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JaCorey Williams and Giddy Potts were the difference makers for the Blue Raiders in this one. Potts scored with five seconds left in regular time to tie the game at 61 and force overtime. Potts was masterful, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three triples. JaCorey Williams shot an impressive 12 for 17 from the field and ended the game with seven boards as well.
Jonathan Williams and Jaelan Sanford’s 15 point performances were just not enough for the Rockets to come away with the win. Even though the Rockets dominated on the glass, out rebounding the Blue Raiders 42 to 28, their 16 turnovers were the deciding factor.
The Rockets find themselves at 3-3 now. Falling at the hands of the Blue Raiders for a second time this season. Rockets have not had an easy road to 3-3, but they have been competing in every game. Toledo will face UNCW on Sunday, while the 5-1 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will go up against Evansville.