James Gallman scored 19 points and Middle Tennessee State defeated Cumberland 87-54 on Friday night. The Blue Raiders (3-3) shot 51.4 percent (18 of 35) in a second half in which they outscored the Bulldogs 50-24. Tied 12-12 early, Middle Tennessee scored eight straight points to lead 20-12 on two free throws by Montarrio Haddock with 9:37 left until halftime. The Blue Raiders led 37-30 at halftime, as Cumberland (1-7) committed 17 of its 28 turnovers in the first half. Lamar Brinkley pulled the Bulldogs within 37-32 on a jump shot 19 seconds into the second half. But Middle Tennessee pulled away with 20 straight points to lead 57-32 on a 3-pointer by Gallman with 14:50 to play. The Blue Raiders also received 11 assists and five steals from James Washington III. Brandon Springer scored 24 points for the Bulldogs.
