Middle Tennessee women’s basketball (9-7, 4-0) spread the offensive love, pummeling New Mexico State (6-10, 2-2) 88-51.
The Lady Raiders extended their undefeated Conference USA streak, riding another performance with multiple players in double figures. MTSU has had at least two players in double figures through conference play so far with four players in double digits for three of the last four games.
“The improvement is confidence, right now,” head coach Rick Insell said. “They’re getting a feel where people should be and they’re picking them up, and we ain’t got tunnel vision anymore.”
Middle Tennessee showed its multi-level scoring ability with three starters scoring 10 plus points and freshman Yu Han Lin scoring 15 points off the bench.
The Lady Raiders could not rely on freshman forward Blair Baugus as she picked up two fouls early and only played 16 minutes. Fellow freshmen forward Macie Phifer filled the open role with ease finishing the game with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
With Baugus in foul trouble early, it is easy for the team to dip in performance, but each player was able to step up and help win the game, Phifer said.
Phifer holding down the paint, allowed the rest of the floor to open for the Lady Raider shooters. Sophomore Savannah Davis and senior Alayna Contreras both hit four three-pointers as MTSU knocked down 13 total three-pointers.
“I got recruited as a shooter,” Davis said. “As long as I go out there and bring the energy and play defense, shots will come.”
The shots started to fall against Jacksonville State on Jan. 4 where Davis shot 5-of-8 with four three-pointers. The Tennessee native had her third straight game with multiple baskets from deep against New Mexico State.
The Lady Raiders now prepare for a two-game road trip to face Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston State.
LA Tech through its CUSA slate is averaging 64.5 points per game while MTSU has given up only 48.25 points per game.
The coaches say all the time that playing good defense will translate into offense, and the team has dug in on defense the past two weeks, Phifer said.
“Defense travels and if we want to go on the road and win, we’re going to have to play good defense,” Phifer said.
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