MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) -- Shawn Jones scored 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead Middle Tennessee to 76-59 victory over UA-Little Rock Monday night.
Kerry Hammonds was the leading scorer with 20 points as Middle Tennessee (4-0) was able to stymie UA-LR (0-3), holding the Trojans to only 14 for 47 from the floor.
UA-LR had an early 8-6 lead but the Blue Raiders went on 16-2 run that gave Middle Tennessee the lead for good. Middle Tennessee's defense kept the Trojans scoreless for almost 12 minutes in the middle of the first half. Middle Tennessee pushed the advantage to 40-25 at the half.
The Trojans mounted a comeback in the second period, cutting the lead to 6 with 6:33 remaining in the final period, but could get no closer.
The Blue Raiders were without starter Marcus Tarrance who was suspended indefinitely following his arrest on a domestic violence charge.
