By Daniel Johnson
MTN Sports Reporter
February 28, 2021
After a 23 point loss Friday night, MTSU bounced back Saturday evening, edging out Old Dominion with a 74-70 win. The Lady Raiders saw the ball go through the hoop more efficiently on Saturday, as opposed to the night before.
“We didn’t put the ball in the hole”, said Blue Raiders coach Rick Insell following the game on Friday night.
“We got out-rebounded 48-32, that’s probably the worst we’ve been out-rebounded this year. We knew coming in that they were very athletic, would go to the boards, and they did.”
Anastasia Hayes was the only Blue Raider in double figures on Friday, with 32 points. Courtney Whitson pitched in 9 points.
With a better outing Saturday evening, the Lady Raiders saw scoring from everyone who touched the court. Of the six players who played Saturday, four of them reached double-digits in scoring with Anastasia Hayes leading the way with 18. Deja Cage added 17 and Aislynn Hayes followed up with 15 points.
Despite being out-rebounded again on Saturday night by 13, MTSU made up for it with their 17 points off turnovers and 34 points in the paint.
Back and forth much throughout, this game saw three ties, four lead changes, and the Blue Raiders largest lead only being 8. Middle Tennessee also decided to turn up the pace this game with more fast break points than Old Dominion (8-10, 5-9) but one less second chance point (8).
The Lady Raiders (13-6, 11-3) will return to the court Thursday at the Murphy Center with a conference matchup with Marshall. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.