John Jenkins scored 26 points and Festus Elezi added a season-high 21 as Vanderbilt withstood a heavy test from visiting Middle Tennessee State to win for the 10th time in its last 11 games, 84-77.

Jenkins reached double-digit point totals for the 54th consecutive game for the Commodores (16-5, 5-1 SEC), who shot 50 percent for the game and were outstanding from the free throw line as well, connecting on 24-of-30 attempts, including a career best 11-of-13 for Elezi.

LaRon Dendy recorded 22 points on eight-of-11 shooting for the Blue Raiders (20-3, 9-0 Sun Belt), who led by as many as eight in the first half before a 26-13 run by Vanderbilt gave the Commodores a 44-39 halftime lead. The Blue Raiders shot an impressive 57.4 percent from the floor and battled throughout the second half, leading the game as late as the 2:20 mark before the Commodores took control for good.

This was the first loss for the Blue Raiders since early December, snapping a 12-game win streak.

Vanderbilt has now won five straight over Middle Tennessee State, with its last loss in the series coming in February 1995, and lead the series 29-4 all-time.

Middle Tennessee State remains two wins shy of matching the program’s all-time record of 22 regular season wins, set in 1986-87.

Each school will resume conference play next, with a home game against Arkansas up next for Vanderbilt, and a visit to North Texas for Middle Tennessee State.