MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee (17-16, 11-7) falls to  Cleveland State (26-9, 13-7 Horizon League) on Thursday night at Murphy Center, 66-56. 

This game marked the end of Rick Insell's 20th season as head coach, concluding with 506 career wins. 

The Blue Raiders began the game slowly, trailing 12-3 before going on a 9-2 run that tied the game at 14-14 in the first quarter. By halftime, they had managed to reduce the deficit to two points, with a score of 31-29. 

In the third quarter, with 1:49 remaining, the Blue Raiders went on a 5-0 run, bringing the score to 38-42. Senior Alayna Contreras opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 41-44, but that was as close as they would get. 

Freshmen Blair Baugus and Macie Phifer each led Middle Tennessee with 17 points, with Phifer hitting a late three-pointer that cut the margin to six in the closing minutes. Contreras added nine points and five assists to the team's efforts. 

Coach's Comments:


By the Numbers:  

24: The Blue Raiders recorded a total of 24 rebounds, with Baugus contributing six boards and Phifer adding five. 

18: MTSU recorded 18 points from 15 forced turnovers. 

506: Head Coach Rick Insell concludes his career with a record of 506 wins.  

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