RUSTON, La. — Middle Tennessee men's basketball's four-game win streak came to an end against preseason Conference USA favorite Louisiana Tech, 75-69, Saturday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.

The Bulldogs got off to a hot start with a quick 9-2 run to begin the game. However, the Blue Raiders responded with a 15-0 run of their own, with contributions from everyone on the court. Jestin Porter led the run with five points, while Essam Mostafa, Camryn Weston, Justin BufFord, and Jlynn Counter each added a basket.

Middle Tennessee continued to hold its lead through the remainder of the first half, heading to the locker room with a 30-27 lead. In the first half, the Blue Raiders forced eight turnovers, turning them into 13 points. Porter, Weston, and Counter combined for 24 of the Blue Raiders' 30 points in the first 20 minutes.

The teams returned to form in the second half and the Blue Raiders turned up the heat with a Chris Loofe dunk and-one followed immediately by an and-one from Porter. MT began to get into foul trouble heading into the under-16 media timeout, allowing LA Tech to take the lead back, 41-36.

The lead changed hands nine times throughout the game, but the Bulldogs went on a 9-0 run in the final minutes to put the game out of reach, handing the Blue Raiders their second loss in conference play, 74-69.

Porter led MTSU in scoring with 16 points, followed by Porter with 15 and Counter with 13. Loofe led the team in rebounds for the first time this season, bringing down six.

By the Numbers:

5: Jestin Porter has tallied five-straight double digit scoring games, including three 20-point performances.

3: Blue Raiders scored 10+ points

4: Justin Bufford matched his career-high with four steals on the evening.

McDevitt's Mic:

It was a battle, we just weren't able to capitalize on the big possessions. We had some close shots around the basket that didn't go in, and that was tough for us. The difference was just 4-5 possessions that did go our way tonight.

Up Next:

Middle Tennessee will head home to face the New Mexico State Aggies in the Murphy Center Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m.