Middle Tennessee State sinks late free throws to win Conference USA

Middle Tennessee State took advantage of a poorly timed foul by Old Dominion and watched Reggie Upshaw sink both free throws before the Monarchs’ desperation shot fell short as the Blue Raiders advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.

Giddy Potts led Middle Tennessee with 14 points as the Blue Raiders traded baskets with Old Dominion for much of the game, neither team giving an inch from start to finish. MTSU managed to hold ODU to 11 percent three-point shooting.

Middle Tennessee doesn’t have a lengthy tournament history, but Conference USA has proven to be tricky in the NCAA Tournament in recent years. Just ask UAB, who defeated heavily favored Iowa State on a buzzer beater to win in the Round of 64 last year. MTSU may not as get as far as the First Four this year, as it did in 2013, but anything is possible in March Madness.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports

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