Louisiana Tech vs Middle Tennessee Prediction 1/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders meet Friday in college basketball action from Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. Here’s an LA Tech vs Middle Tennessee prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best LA Tech vs Middle Tennessee pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

LA Tech Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Bulldogs’ season began on a 4-2 run with wins over Lyon, Jackson State, Indiana State and Alcorn State. LA Tech has since hit another 4-2 stretch with losses to Georgia Southern and Tulane among wins over Ecclesia, Louisiana, Dallas Christian and UTEP. That gives the Bulldogs an 8-4 record through 12 games so far.

In the UTEP game on Monday, the Bulldogs entered the second half with a 38-28 advantage. LA Tech hit a 37-35 run the rest of the way in a 75-63 win in the end. Leading the team in scoring was DJ Dudley with 18 points and six rebounds. AJ Bates doubled up with 10 points, 10 assists and five boards while Sir Issac Herron had 11 points and five rebounds.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Preview

Over on the Blue Raiders’ side, they won four of their first five games over Milligan, Webster, Evansville and Murray State. A 1-3 stretch came next with losses to George Washington, McNeese and Belmont. After wins over Kennesaw State and Cumberland TN, the Raiders fell to Houston. That gives Middle Tennessee a 7-5 record over their first dozen games of the year.

In the Houston matchup on Monday the Blue Raiders were down by five points at the break. Middle Tennessee hit a 36-32 run the rest of the way in a 69-60 loss. Kamari Lands had 18 points with three boards to lead the team and Torey Alston doubled up on 10 points and 12 rebounds. Alec Oglesby added 12 points in 27 minutes during the loss as well.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs @ Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Trends: January 2, 2026

Why the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will win

• Middle Tennessee has won six of its last seven night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Louisiana Tech has lost three of its last four night games against the Conference USA.
• Middle Tennessee has won the first half in three of its last four games against Conference opponents.

Why the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will win

• Louisiana Tech has won each of its last seven Friday games.
• Middle Tennessee has lost each of its last seven Friday games against the Conference USA.
• Middle Tennessee has lost the first half in four of its last five night games against Conference opponents at Charles M. Murphy Athletic Center.

LA Tech vs Middle Tennessee Prediction

I’ll stick with LA Tech. The Bulldogs did pretty well in their last outing versus a struggling UTEP team, despite hitting a rough 20-of-34 (58.8 percent) from the line with a 20-16 deficit on points in the paint. LA Tech shot 42.3 percent from the field with 32 rebounds and 14 team assists in the 12-point win, holding the Miners to just 36.8 percent shooting on defense. This year the Bulldogs have won four of their last five games now, scoring 75 or more points in three of them.

As for Middle Tennessee, they put up a decent effort against a good Houston team in their last outing. The Raiders shot 46.9 percent from the field and had a 28-27 advantage on the boards. Middle Tennessee’s 18 turnovers (versus six for Houston) were the big factor in the nine-point loss, though. The Raiders certainly have the capability to control this one if they can play like that again—minus the mistakes of course.

Andrew Jett's Pick: LA Tech Bulldogs +5.5