Nacogdoches, Texas - Despite cutting a double-digit lead down to one in the second half, Middle Tennessee (3-1) never could get over the hump Friday in an 87-74 loss at Stephen F. Austin (3-1) in the opening round of the Cancun Challenge. Josh Jefferson led the way for the Blue Raiders with 23 points, including a 14-14 performance from the free throw line. Eli Lawrence added 18 points to go along with a game-high-tying seven rebounds.
MT jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but Stephen F. Austin battled back, wearing out the Blue Raiders by pounding the ball inside.