BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – James Washington scored 24 points and Middle Tennessee State held off a late charge from Western Kentucky for a 69-60 win on Thursday night.
The Blue Raiders (13-12, 8-4 Sun Belt Conference) led by 17 points with 6:27 left to play, but the Hilltoppers (10-13, 5-6) cut the deficit to six during the final minute.
It was too late as Middle Tennessee beat Western Kentucky for the third straight time. It was the first time since 1930 that the Blue Raiders accomplished that feat.
The Blue Raiders shot 24 of 30 from the free-throw line, including 10 of 12 with less than three minutes left.
The Blue Raiders forced 23 Western Kentucky turnovers, leading to 28 points.
James Gallman chipped in 10 points for Middle Tennessee.
Steffphon Pettigrew scored 18 points to lead the Hilltoppers and Kahlil McDonald added 10 points.