Recap: Ark-Little Rock vs. Middle Tennessee

Little Rock, AR (Sports Network) - Marcos Knight recorded a game-high 15 points as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders held on to defeat the Arkansas- Little Rock Trojans, 66-61, in Sun Belt Conference action at the Jack Stephens Center.

Bruce Massey and Raymond Cintron contributed 11 points apiece for the Blue Raiders (23-4, 15-1 Sun Belt). Kerry Hammonds was three boards shy of a double-double with 10 points as Middle Tennessee won a 12th straight game.

For the Trojans (15-12, 9-7), Michael Javes recorded 12 points, five boards, and three blocks. Ben Dillard also added 12 points but was the only other player in double figures as UALR lost for the third time in four outings.

Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early 20-8 lead, eventually claiming a 28-18 advantage in the first half. The Trojans shot just 6-of-24 from the floor through the first 20 minutes.

In the second half UALR made 16-of-32 from the floor, while Middle Tennessee converted 11-of-26 field goals. The Trojans tried to make a game of it, but the team hurt itself with just 8-of-16 shooting at the free-throw line.

Middle Tennessee, which turned the ball over 21 times, controlled the boards, 41-32, and made 24-of-29 free throws on the night.