Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Thursday, February 16
Boca Raton, FL
6 p.m.
Middle Tennessee
-214,142 CUSA
85
at
77
Florida Atlantic
-1213,511 CUSA
1
2
3
4
F
Middle Tenn.
24
17
30
14
85
Fla. Atlantic
18
14
15
30
77
Team Stats
MTSU
FAU
FG%
.564
.491
3FG%
.500
.692
FT%
.917
.737
RB
27
27
TO
13
13
STL
5
7
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
21
FGM
7
3FGM
5
FTM
2
Pts
18
FGM
7
3FGM
2
FTM
2
Pts
14
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
3
Pts
13
FGM
4
3FGM
2
FTM
3
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballF
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballF
/ Women's Basketball
Efficient Shooting Carries Lady Raiders in Win Over Florida Atlantic
2/16/2023 9:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Whitson leads the way with 21 points
BOCA RATON, Fla––Five Lady Raiders scored in double figures in Middle Tennessee's 85-77 win over Florida Atlantic Thursday.
As a team, the Lady Raiders (21-4, 14-2 C-USA) shot 56 percent (31-for-55). At the free throw line, MTSU made 11 of 12 attempts.
Shooting 69 percent (9-for-13) from the field in the first quarter, the Lady Raiders jumped out in front by six as Courtney Blakely's buzzer-beating jumper gave MTSU a 24-18 lead. MTSU grew its lead in the third quarter to as many as 24 thanks to a steady offensive attack that outscored FAU (12-13, 5-11 C-USA) 30-15 in the frame.
The Owls clawed their way back into the game in the fourth, but the Lady Raiders held off the late Florida Atlantic comeback bid.
After missing the last two games, Courtney Whitson returned and led all scorers with 21 points and pulled down five rebounds. Savannah Wheeler scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished four assists and added two steals. Jalynn Gregory scored 13 points along with three rebounds and three assists.
Off the bench, Kseniya Malashka finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and four assists and Courtney Blakely added 12 points.
By the Numbers
50%: Lady Raider shooting percentage from beyond the arc, which is a new season high.
73.3%: MTSU's third quarter field goal percentage.
21: A new season high in points for Courtney Whitson.
Game Notes
- Middle Tennessee improves to 31-1 all-time vs. Florida Atlantic and extends its winning streak to 25 vs. the Owls.
- Middle Tennessee is 135-3 when scoring at least 80 points under Rick Insell.
- Tonight marks the fifth game this season that at least five Lady Raiders scored in double figures.
Thoughts from Head Coach Rick Insell
On what Courtney Whitson's return to the lineup meant
"Just like having a coach on the floor. She shoots the ball, she rebounds the ball, she handles the basketball. At the end of the game you want to have the ball in her hands. She just makes very good decisions. She's been playing for us now what, four to five years. I mean she knows as much about what's going on than I do."
Up Next
Middle Tennessee is set to matchup with FIU Saturday. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. CDT inside Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
Follow the Lady Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Women's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTSUWBB), Twitter (@MT_WBB) and Instagram (@mt_wbb).
As a team, the Lady Raiders (21-4, 14-2 C-USA) shot 56 percent (31-for-55). At the free throw line, MTSU made 11 of 12 attempts.
Shooting 69 percent (9-for-13) from the field in the first quarter, the Lady Raiders jumped out in front by six as Courtney Blakely's buzzer-beating jumper gave MTSU a 24-18 lead. MTSU grew its lead in the third quarter to as many as 24 thanks to a steady offensive attack that outscored FAU (12-13, 5-11 C-USA) 30-15 in the frame.
The Owls clawed their way back into the game in the fourth, but the Lady Raiders held off the late Florida Atlantic comeback bid.
After missing the last two games, Courtney Whitson returned and led all scorers with 21 points and pulled down five rebounds. Savannah Wheeler scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished four assists and added two steals. Jalynn Gregory scored 13 points along with three rebounds and three assists.
Off the bench, Kseniya Malashka finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and four assists and Courtney Blakely added 12 points.
By the Numbers
50%: Lady Raider shooting percentage from beyond the arc, which is a new season high.
73.3%: MTSU's third quarter field goal percentage.
21: A new season high in points for Courtney Whitson.
Game Notes
- Middle Tennessee improves to 31-1 all-time vs. Florida Atlantic and extends its winning streak to 25 vs. the Owls.
- Middle Tennessee is 135-3 when scoring at least 80 points under Rick Insell.
- Tonight marks the fifth game this season that at least five Lady Raiders scored in double figures.
Thoughts from Head Coach Rick Insell
On what Courtney Whitson's return to the lineup meant
"Just like having a coach on the floor. She shoots the ball, she rebounds the ball, she handles the basketball. At the end of the game you want to have the ball in her hands. She just makes very good decisions. She's been playing for us now what, four to five years. I mean she knows as much about what's going on than I do."
Up Next
Middle Tennessee is set to matchup with FIU Saturday. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. CDT inside Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
Follow the Lady Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Women's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTSUWBB), Twitter (@MT_WBB) and Instagram (@mt_wbb).
Facility tour – Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center
Wednesday, July 30
Rick Insell Conference USA Hall of Fame Announcement
Wednesday, July 09
2025 Blue Raider Blitz Media Panel
Thursday, July 03
MTSU Women's Basketball Coach Rick Insell interview at 2025 Blue Raider Blitz
Monday, June 30
