Reggie Upshaw scored 19 points, Giddy Potts added 15 and Middle Tennessee took down another Big Ten team in the NCAA Tournament, beating Minnesota, 81-72, on Thursday.
The 12th-seeded Blue Raiders proved they were no one-year wonder after upsetting Michigan State as a No. 15 seed last March.
Middle Tennessee (31-4) instead played like seasoned NCAA veterans with the way it held off the Gophers' comeback attempt from a 17-point deficit in front of a loud and large contingent of Minnesota fans.
Upshaw responded with seven straight points, including a three-pointer and a reverse layup during a 7-3 run to help give Middle Tennessee a 10-point lead with 3:40 left.