Washington scores 18, Middle Tennessee defeats South Alabama 80-68

Middle Tennessee defeats South Alabama 80-68

MOBILE, Ala. — James Washington scored 18 points and Middle Tennessee defeated South Alabama 80-68 on Saturday.

The Blue Raiders (14-11, 9-4 Sun Belt Conference), who trailed 63-61 with 7:25 to go, scored 10 straight, including two 3-pointers off two Jaguars’ turnovers. Calvin O’Neil’s free throw put Middle Tennessee up 71-63 with 3:56 remaining, and it would lead by no less than six points the rest of the way.

The Blue Raiders scored 23 points off 15 South Alabama (13-12, 5-8) turnovers, and won for the sixth time in seven games.

Washington was 4 of 9 from 3-point range and 6-for-6 from the free throw line for the Blue Raiders.

Desmond Yates scored 16 points, Montarrio Haddock 13 and James Gallman 11 for Middle Tennessee.

Tim Williams paced the Jaguars with 16 points. Bryan Sherrer added 14, Gary Redus 13 and Martino Brock 12 for South Alabama.