Middle Tennessee stops W. Kentucky in Sun Belt showdown

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Marcus Morrison and Adam Vogelsberg scored 20 points each as Middle Tennessee beat Western Kentucky 80-74 Thursday.

Middle Tennessee (15-11, 7-6 Sun Belt Conference) used a strong inside game to withstand strong shooting from the arc by the Hilltoppers (20-6, 11-2).

Middle Tennessee scored 28 points in the paint to Western Kentucky’s 8.

The Hilltoppers made 12-of-21 3-pointers for 57.1 percent, including 7-of-9 in the first half.

Fats Cuyler added 11 points for the Blue Raiders, who led 34-32 at the half.

Western Kentucky was led by Anthony Winchester with 23 points, Benson Callier with 12 and Courtney Lee and reserve Butch Jointer with 11 each.

Neither team led by more than 6 points. There were 11 ties and 14 lead changes.