Tightly-contested game doesn't fall Lady Raiders' way

Wednesday, December 9

Murfreesboro, TN

6:30 PM

Middle Tennessee

-02,00 CUSA

Tulane

3-1,0-0AAC

Tulane

Middle Tennessee

12/9/2020 9:25:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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MT drops 81-78 decision to Tulane

By: JOSH VARDAMAN

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A tight contest didn't end Middle Tennessee's way Wednesday.

The Lady Raiders (1-1) fought down to the wire but couldn't get a couple of 3-pointers to fall in the final seconds to force overtime against the visiting Tulane Green Wave (2-2), losing 81-78.

"I was really proud of the way our players battled," MT head coach Rick Insell said. "We didn't get the results that we wanted, but I was very proud of them. We played hard, we executed better … and there will be a time when we knock those down."

Middle Tennessee improved in a few key areas that led to its demise in the season opener against Belmont.

The Lady Raiders struggled against Belmont shooting from the free-throw line and rebounding, making only 22-of-44 free throws and getting beat on the boards 49-33.

They turned both around in a big way Wednesday, hitting 25-of-30 chances at the charity stripe and out-rebounding Tulane 45-41.

"I feel like we played a lot harder than what we did last game," sophomore Aislynn Hayes said. "We played help side defense better and really hit the boards."

The good showing at the free-throw line was critical in giving Middle Tennessee a lead heading into the final frame.

Tulane entered halftime with a 38-36 lead, but MT hit 14-of-16 free throws in the third quarter and thanks to a 13-2 run turned the deficit into a 62-55 advantage going into the fourth.

Middle Tennessee's lead didn't last long in the final 10 minutes, as it went cold and made only five of its 17 shots in the fourth quarter. Redshirt junior Anastasia Hayes hit a pair of free throws with 38 seconds left to tie the score at 78, but Tulane followed with three free throws of its own in the final 26 seconds to take the three-point win.

"We set up two plays at the end of the game for threes and we executed to the T," Insell said. "It was just one of those things where we just didn't knock them down. There will be a time when we knock those down."

Despite losses in their first two games, the Lady Raiders are plenty excited looking to the future, and for good reason. They couldn't practice normally for almost two weeks prior to the Belmont game due to COVID-19 and really are just starting to get their legs back under them.

"We're still trying to get back in shape, but I see improvement," Anastasia Hayes said. "We've had a couple more practices, and we're still just getting started. I'm disappointed we lost, but I'm excited for our team, for sure."

Anastasia Hayes has looked the part of the Preseason Conference USA Player of the Year so far, scoring 25 points against Belmont and following with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists Wednesday. She hit 10-of-13 free throws.

Aislynn Hayes backed up her sister well Wednesday, hitting four 3-pointers and finishing with the first double-double of her career with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Alexis Whittington was also in double-figure scoring with 14 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe, and sophomore Courtney Whitson had seven points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady Raiders will try to improve even more and get their first win Sunday against TCU. It'll be their first road game of the season.

"We're finally getting back to practice, and we're getting our legs back," Insell said. "I'm really pleased with our girls … and we'll get even better moving forward."