LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — Middle Tennessee held off New Mexico State 59-55 in a defensive struggle Saturday at the Pan American Center. The Blue Raiders improved to 10-6 overall.

Torey Alston led Middle Tennessee with 16 points. The teams were tied 29-29 at halftime before the Blue Raiders used a 16-4 advantage in fastbreak points and a 28-16 edge in paint scoring to secure the road win. Jemel Jones scored 16 points for the Aggies, who fell to 9-6.

Both teams struggled offensively, shooting under 35% from the field. Middle Tennessee forced 11 turnovers, converting them into 11 points. Attendance was 2,852.