Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
12-10,7-3CUSA
Missouri State
14-8,6-3CUSA
Blue Raiders Fall 60–54 at Missouri State
2/5/2026 9:16:00 PM | Women's Basketball
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Middle Tennessee(12-10, 7-3 CUSA) fell 60–54 at Missouri State (14-8,6-3 CUSA) on Thursday night inside Great Southern Bank Arena.
The contest featured seven lead changes and three ties, with Middle Tennessee holding a 14–11 advantage after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Blue Raiders went on a 6–0 run following back-to-back three-pointers from Macie Phifer to take a 20–13 lead before the Lady Bears answered with a 7–0 run to tie the game at 20–20. Missouri State carried a 27–24 lead into halftime and did not trail the rest of the way.
Middle Tennessee cut the deficit to six midway through the fourth quarter after an 8–2 run, but Missouri State sealed the game at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 14 attempts in the final period.
Senior Alayna Contreras led the Blue Raiders with 21 points, shooting 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. Blair Baugus added 16 points and five rebounds, while Phifer chipped in nine points and five rebounds.
Coach's Comments
"We didn't have the urgency early like we had late in the fourth quarter. If we had played with that same urgency earlier, I think we would have been in better shape.
I'm not disappointed in our kids. We didn't shoot the ball well, and when you don't shoot it well, especially in another team's gym, you get beat. We were out-rebounded 37–24, and we have to shoot the ball better."
By The Numbers:
7: There were seven lead changes and three ties throughout the contest between Middle Tennessee and Missouri State.
2: Two Blue Raiders scored in double figures, led by Alayna Contreras with 21 points and Blair Baugus with 16.
10: Middle Tennessee recorded 10 steals on the defensive end.
UP NEXT:
Middle Tennessee will remain on the road to face FIU on Saturday, Feb. 7, inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT. The game will air on the Blue Raider Network and broadcast on ESPN+.
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