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GAME NOTES: With the season winding down the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will try to corral the title in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference when they take on the FIU Golden Panthers at U.S. Century Arena.

The last time the Blue Raiders were on the floor the team grabbed an 81-54 victory over South Alabama. It was the fourth win in the last five games for MT, which is 11-5 in-conference, placing the team in a tie for first place with Troy in the East Division.

The Golden Panthers, who are a meager 4-12 in conference action, roll into this matchup with a six-game losing skid. The most recent loss for FIU was a 77-74 setback to Florida Atlantic.

The Blue Raiders own a comfortable 15-6 edge over FIU in the all-time series, but one of those victories for the Golden Panthers came earlier this season, as they defeated MT, 65-58.

The last time the Blue Raiders were on the floor the team grabbed a victory over South Alabama by shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and connecting on 17-of-22 attempts from the foul line. Calvin O'Neil led the way with 15 points in the win, while Montarrio Haddock added 14 points and seven boards. Rod Emanuel and James Gallman tallied 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss. Leading the squad on the season has been Desmond Yates, who is posting 13.7 ppg. Haddock is contributing 13.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg, while James Washington is posting 12.1 ppg, to go along with 110 assists.

The lack of defense has been the main problem for FIU this season, as the team is surrendering 77.1 ppg on a 48.5 percent shooting effort. The team's poor play at the defensive end of the floor continued in FIU's recent setback to FAU, as the Golden Panthers allowed 77 points. The play overshadowed the team's effort offensively, as FIU finished with 74 points behind a 53.2 percent shooting effort. Tremayne Russell led the way with 18 points, while JC Otero posted a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds. Marvin Roberts and Stephon Weaver posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss. Roberts is currently leading the team with 16.0 ppg, but he also has a team-high 84 turnovers.

The Golden Panthers have not enjoyed much success this season and even though the team is home, look for the Blue Raiders to remain in the win column.