Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the CUSA Championship Quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the odds were not listed for this matchup. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for additional insights on today’s college basketball action.
Blue Raiders Enter Tournament on Winning Streak
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders enter this Conference USA tournament matchup with a 17-14 overall record and an 11-9 conference record. Middle Tennessee has been playing excellent basketball recently, recently won over Missouri State 75-63, recently won over FIU 73-67, recently won over New Mexico State 86-85 in overtime, recently won over UTEP 77-67, and recently won over Delaware 78-66. That five-game winning streak gives the Blue Raiders strong momentum heading into the tournament.
Middle Tennessee averages 75.6 points per game while allowing 72.5 points per contest this season. The Blue Raiders shoot 45% from the field and average 36.4 rebounds along with 14.4 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 4.3 blocks and 6.2 steals per contest.
One of the key strengths for Middle Tennessee has been their balanced play on both ends of the floor. With solid scoring and a defense allowing just over 72 points per game, they have been able to control the tempo during their recent winning streak.
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Bulldogs Relying on Defense and Rebounding
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs enter this tournament matchup with an 18-13 overall record and an 11-9 mark in conference play. Louisiana Tech has also played well recently, recently won over Delaware 81-38, recently won over Liberty 76-71, recently lost to FIU 84-76, recently won over Missouri State 72-70, and recently lost to Kennesaw State 58-55.
Louisiana Tech averages 69.9 points per game while allowing just 64.6 points per contest this season. The Bulldogs shoot 44% from the field and average 38.6 rebounds along with 12.7 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 4.9 blocks and 7.5 steals per contest.
The Bulldogs’ biggest strength has been their defense. Allowing only 64.6 points per game gives them the ability to slow down opposing offenses and keep games within reach even when their own scoring output is limited.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Pick
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Pick
- Pick: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Middle Tennessee enters this matchup with strong momentum thanks to their five-game winning streak. Their ability to score more consistently than Louisiana Tech could give them the edge in a tournament game where offensive runs often determine the outcome.
While Louisiana Tech has a strong defense, their lower scoring average could make it difficult to keep up if Middle Tennessee continues the offensive rhythm they have shown in recent games.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Total Pick
- Pick: Under
I expect this matchup to lean toward a defensive battle. Louisiana Tech allows just 64.6 points per game and often slows down the pace to limit scoring opportunities.
With Middle Tennessee also playing solid defense, I believe this game could turn into a slower paced contest that stays under the total range typically seen in higher scoring matchups.
Final Score Prediction: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 71, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 66
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