Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
15-6,7-1CUSA
NM State
10-11,3-5CUSA
Blue Raiders power through NM State in overtime
1/30/2025 11:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Blue Raiders began their road trip out west with an overtime thriller against New Mexico State, securing a 66-59 victory.
Middle Tennessee struggled early, managing just eight points in the first quarter while shooting 4-for-11 from the field. However, the offense came alive in the second quarter, cutting the Aggies' lead to one at halftime. Anastasiia Boldyreva led the way with 10 first-half points while showcasing her defensive skills, helping limit New Mexico State to 28.6% shooting in the second quarter.
Coming out of halftime, MTSU's offense stumbled in the third quarter, but the Blue Raiders fought back in the fourth. Ta'Mia Scott led the charge with seven points, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, including a crucial 3-pointer. Emily Monson provided a spark off the bench, scoring five points and hitting clutch shots to force overtime.
In overtime, Boldyreva took over, scoring eight of the Blue Raiders' 12 points. Key defensive plays, including two forced turnovers, helped MTSU secure the win. With this victory, the Blue Raiders have now won their last four overtime games and improved their all-time overtime record to 26-27.
By the Numbers
38 – Dominance in the paint played a key role in the win. Boldyreva was relentless down low, proving to be a force inside.
70% – The Blue Raiders capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, shooting 70%. Jalynn Gregory was perfect from the stripe, going 8-for-8.
27 – Boldyreva's 27-point performance set a new season high for a Blue Raider, surpassing the previous high by one point.
Blue Raider Notes
• Boldyreva's 27-point night pushed her season total to 319 points. She now has 1,657 career points as a Blue Raider.
• MTSU extended its winning streak to four games and looks to close out its road trip against UTEP.
Quote From Head Coach Rick Insell
"It showed the toughness of our team. You know, we were down seven, eight, nine points with four or five minutes left. I thought Gracie Dodgen came in and hit a big three, and then (Emily) Monson came in, hit a three, hit a two. I mean, those three shots were big. Then we had Nas go to work inside and make some baskets. (Molly) Kaiser was tough to guard—she's one of the best players in the country."
Up Next
The Blue Raiders wrap up their two-game road trip Saturday in El Paso, Texas, against UTEP. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CST. The game will air on Blue Raider Network and stream on ESPN+
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Women's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTSUWBB), X (Formerly known as Twitter) (@MT_WBB) and Instagram (@mt_wbb).
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