By GREG MENGELT

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — New Albany graduate Josh Jefferson had an impressive debut for Middle Tennessee on Tuesday, scoring a team-best 16 points in the Blue Raiders’ 98-59 win over Brescia.

Jefferson made 7-of-12 shots, including 2-of-6 from behind the 3-point line. He also led the Blue Raiders with four steals and had two rebounds and an assist. The senior averaged 14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season at Green Bay.

Three of Jefferson’s teammates scored in double figures in the win. Isaiah Turner had 13, Eli Lawrence finished with 12 and Christian Fussell contributed 10. Turner and Fussell played off the Middle Tennessee bench, which contributed 49 points to the victory.

“It’s exciting,” Jefferson said of the Blue Raiders’ potential. “Strength in numbers. … We have length, we have depth. It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to keep it going.”

Middle Tennessee turned Brescia over 28 times and scored 47 points off of those turnovers.

Tre Pillow had 9 to pace Brescia.