Jonesboro, AR (Sports Network) - Desmond Yates scored a game-high 28 points as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders picked up an 89-86 overtime win over Arkansas State in Sun Belt Conference action at the Convocation Center.

Desmond, who shot an impressive 12-of-14 from the field for the Blue Raiders (10-11, 7-4 Sun Belt) added eight rebounds as the team won its third game in a row. Before fouling out Nigel Johnson chipped in 22 points, followed by Demetrius Green and Theryn Hudson with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Indians (9-13, 4-7), losers of three straight and five of the last six, were paced by Adrian Banks and his 27 points off the bench, followed by Yima Chia-Kur with 20. Ryan Wedel posted 15 points and Shawn Morgan 11 and seven boards in the losing effort as well.

Middle Tennessee shot a blistering 65.4 percent from the field in the first half, yet led by just three points at the break, 39-36.

In the second half the Blue Raiders continued to shoot the ball well at a 56.5 percent clip, but making just 6-of-12 at the free-thrown line in the frame hurt the squad.

Down by four with less than a minute to play in regulation, Banks knocked down a three-pointer for Arkansas State which then knotted the score at 75-75 on a layup by Morgan to send the game into overtime.

In the bonus session Kevin Kanaskie scored five of his seven points on the night to seal up the win for the Blue Raiders.

In a game that saw 12 ties and 17 lead changes, Middle Tennessee was outscored at the free-throw line, 25-11, but made up for it with 10-of-16 shooting beyond the arc.