Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
14-11,9-4CUSA
Kennesaw State
12-12,5-8CUSA
Middle Tennessee sweeps season-series with Kennesaw State after 71-53 win at home
2/14/2026 6:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Decked out in white jerseys with pink lettering and numbering, outlined in black, Middle Tennessee (14-11, 9-4 CUSA) looked good and played good in a 71-53 win over Kennesaw State (12-12, 5-8 CUSA) to sweep the season-series with the Owls.
Strong play along the perimeter on both ends of the floor was a major focal point for the Blue Raiders, highlighted by Alayna Contreras' career-high six three-pointers made to help her score a Middle Tennessee individual season-high 28 points. Though the Owls haven't shown they shoot a lot of threes this season, Middle Tennessee didn't allow very many quality looks from distance, limiting them to just one make on eight attempts.
Phifer got off to a quick start for Middle Tennessee, scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the first quarter to help the Blue Raiders to a 20-14 lead by the end of the quarter. Kennesaw State was able to keep the game close by scoring 12 of its' first 14 points from within the paint.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders stifled the Owls in the second quarter, going on a 19-4 run that spanned from just over the eight-minute mark all the way into the break to give Middle Tennessee a 39-22 halftime lead. Middle Tennessee had a blocked shot and three steals and forced six Owl turnovers in the second quarter. Phifer led Middle Tennessee with 16 points and pulled down five rebounds. Alayna Contreras also had 16 first-half points including four made three's to help the Blue Raiders shoot 50% from beyond the arc in the first half. Kirston Verhulst scored three points and pulled down five rebounds to go with two assists.
Middle Tennessee's ability to both guard and shoot the three helped the Blue Raiders put it away in the second half. By the end of the game, Middle Tennessee finished 11-for-25 from distance as a team and had three players finish with at least two made three's.
Contreras finished with an assist and two steals to go with her 28 points. Phifer had 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds and blocked two shots. Verhulst had eight points and six rebounds, also assisting on four made baskets while fellow classmate Blair Baugus had eight points and four rebounds. Baugus, Phifer and Contreras all finished with a +20 rating While Yu-Han Lin was a +17 in 17 minutes off the bench.
Coach's Comments
By the Numbers
8: With today's win, Middle Tennessee remains a perfect 8-0 all-time against Kennesaw State.
6: Career-high in three-pointers made by Alayna Contreras.
+10: The advantage in three-pointers made by Middle Tennessee over Kennesaw State.
UP NEXT:
Middle Tennessee remains idle until next Saturday when it travels to close the season series with rival Western Kentucky. Tipoff from E.A. Diddle Arena is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Blue Raider Network.
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