Middle Tennessee takes down Big Ten’s Minnesota

Middle Tennessee took down another Big Ten team in the NCAA Tournament, though the latest victory didn’t really feel like an upset.

The Blue Raiders stood up to Minnesota’s rugged defense, then blew past the foulprone Golden Gophers for an 81-72 victory on Thursday.

Middle Tennessee proved it was no one-year wonder after shocking Michigan State as a No. 15 seed last March.

“We think we belong on a national stage,” coach Kermit Davis said. “I knew we’d play well and we did so today.”

Reggie Upshaw scored 19 points and Giddy Potts added 15 for the Blue Raiders (31-4), who move on to face fourthseeded Butler in the second round on Saturday.

No longer a mystery team in March, Middle Tennessee played like seasoned NCAA veterans with the way they held off the Gophers’ comeback attempt from a 17-point deficit in front of a loud and large contingent of Minnesota fans.

Upshaw, a senior captain, responded with seven straight points, including a 3-pointer and a reverse layup during a 7-3 run to help give Middle Tennessee a 10-point lead with 3:40 left.

“I don’t think so at all,” Davis said when asked if he would classify the win as an upset. “We have a lot of respect for Minnesota, but I think our record speaks for itself, and what we’ve done all year long.”

A season of redemption came to an end for fifthseeded Minnesota (24-10), which bounced back from an eight-win season in 2015-16 to return to the NCAAs.

Avery Woodson scored 18 points and tied a career high with six