Lady Raiders fall in first game from long break

Friday, February 26

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

6:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

-126,103 CUSA

Old Dominion

-89,58 CUSA

Old Dominion

Middle Tennessee

2/26/2021 8:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Game Book Cumulative Stats C USA Stats

Anastasia Hayes pours in 32 points in setback

By: JOSH VARDAMAN, MT Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee was treated to a battle in its first game back from a 20-day break Friday.

The Lady Raiders (12-6, 10-3) hadn't suited up for a game since Feb. 6 at Charlotte before Friday's home tilt against Old Dominion (8-9, 5-8). The Monarchs didn't let MT ease back into the action, either, winning at the Murphy Center 74-57.

"We knew that Old Dominion was a lot better basketball team than their record showed," Lady Raiders head coach Rick Insell said. "They came in and got a big win tonight, and you have to take your hat off to them."

The multi-week hiatus might have impacted Middle Tennessee on the offensive end.

Other than junior Anastasia Hayes, who added to her Conference USA Player of the Year resume with 32 points, the Lady Raiders struggled to score consistently, shooting 34 percent (21-61), including a 6-for-28 mark (21 percent) from 3-point range.

They went into the night leading C-USA in scoring (78.2 points per game), while ODU ranked third (72.1).

"I can for sure say we haven't played in 20 days and it showed tonight," Hayes said. "We have to get back into game shape."

Middle Tennessee was able to overcome the rough shooting night early on thanks to an excellent defensive effort.

The Monarchs hit only 10-of-26 shots in the first half as MT held a slim 25-24 advantage, and it looked like the high-scoring teams were in for a tough defensive battle.

However, ODU found some offensive footing in the third quarter, building an eight-point lead heading to the final 10 minutes that the Lady Raiders couldn't overcome. The visitors were simply too much on the backboards, gobbling up 16 on the offensive end that led to 17 second-chance points.

"You can't win championships if you don't rebound the basketball, knock down your free throws and play defense," Insell said. "We played defense for about three quarters. It's a shame that the game is four quarters."

Hayes, who went into the game leading the country with 28.2 points per game, was the only player for MT in double-figure scoring. She finished 11-for-22 from the field, including 2-of-5 from distance, and 8-of-12 from the free-throw line to go with six rebounds and four steals. She's scored at least 20 points in 22 straight games, and Friday's was her fifth game this year with at least 30 points.

Sophomore Courtney Whitson added nine points and eight rebounds.

The Lady Raiders will try to get some revenge over the Monarchs Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. inside the Murphy Center, and the contest will serve as MT's senior night as well as their Play4Kay pink-out game.

"We have to work on our defense, execute out plays and focus on rebounding on the offensive and defensive end," Hayes said. "We'll be fine once we can get back into the flow of it."