BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) - JT Sulton scored 17 points and Middle Tennessee completed a record-setting Sun Belt Conference season by defeating Western Kentucky 70-62 Saturday night.
The Blue Raiders (27-4, 19-1) broke the record for Sun Belt wins in a season, which they shared with New Orleans (1992-93). They matched the school's record for wins in a season and extended their winning streak to 16 games, now the nation's second longest.
Led by George Fant's 18 points, the Hilltoppers (16-15, 10-10) stayed close throughout and took a 52-48 lead with 8:26 remaining. After Middle Tennessee regained the lead, Western Kentucky tied it at 62 on Brandon Harris' 3-pointer with 1:54 left.
Shawn Jones' tip-in gave the lead back to the Blue Raiders, and Neiko Hunter's layup made it 66-62 with 38 seconds left.
Western Kentucky will play in the first round of the Sun Belt tournament Friday. Middle Tennessee has a bye until Saturday.
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