Updated

Raymond Taylor scored 21 points and had four steals to lead Florida Atlantic over Middle Tennessee 62-51 on Thursday night.

The Owls (16-6, 8-0 Sun Belt Conference) outrebounded the Blue Raiders 41-28 for their eighth straight win. Florida Atlantic is just one victory shy of their program-record winning streak with a game against Western Kentucky on Saturday.

The Owls, who led by as many as 10 in the first half, shot 42.3 percent (11 of 26) in the first 20 minutes to lead 33-24 at halftime.

Middle Tennessee (9-12, 4-4) pulled to within four three different times, but couldn't get any closer. Leading 43-38, Florida Atlantic went on a 15-5 run to take a 58-43 advantage on Taylor's free throw with 2:12 remaining.

Brett Royster added 10 points for the Owls.

The Blue Raiders were led by Jason Jones with 10 points.