Washington scores 20, perfect from foul line late as Middle Tennessee beats La-Monroe 69-60

Middle Tennessee beats Louisiana-Monroe 69-60

MONROE, La. — James Washington scored 20 points, going 8-for-8 from the foul line in the final 1:10, to help Middle Tennessee State hold off Louisiana-Monroe 69-60 on Thursday night.

Desmond Yates scored 16 points, Calvin O’Neil had 12 and Montarrio Haddock added 11 for the Blue Raiders (10-10, 5-3 Sun Belt Conference).

Besides Washington’s perfect performance at the foul line, O’Neil was 8-for-9 from the stripe for the Blue Raiders, who finished 23-for-26 (88.5 percent). The Warhawks were 16-for-22 from the free throw line (72.7 percent).

Middle Tennessee caused 22 turnovers.

The Blue Raiders led by 11 points at halftime and held on despite being outscored 39-37 in the second half.

Dynile Forbes and Lawrence Gilbert scored 14 points apiece for the Warhawks (8-12, 3-6).

The Blue Raiders have won back-to-back games, while the Warhawks had a two-game streak snapped.