Jimmy Oden scored 14 points from the bench, hitting 11 of 12 free throws, to lead Middle Tennessee past Tennessee State 77-62 on Thursday night.
Middle Tennessee (7-1) got 33 points from its bench in the winning effort compared to just 11 points for Tennessee State.
The Blue Raiders trailed by one, 44-43, before going on a 15-5 run over the next seven minutes to take a 58-49 lead with 5:38 left to play. Middle Tennessee would not relinquish the lead, pushing its advantage to 13, 73-60, behind two Oden free throws.
Oden sank 10 free throws during the final 1:45 of the second half.
Jason Jones and Marcus Knight each scored 12 points and James Gallman added 10 for the Blue Raiders.
Patrick Miller led Tennessee State (3-5) with 14 points. Robert Covington added 12 and Kellen Thornton chipped in with 11 for the Tigers.
