HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Following a historic campaign a season ago, the long-awaited opener for the 2024-25 Middle Tennessee women's basketball team came in the form of a 79-58 win on the road over the Northern Kentucky Norse at Truist Arena on Monday night.

With the win tonight, the Middle Tennessee moves to 31-19 in season openers in program history, including 11-9 under head coach Rick Insell, and 10-6 opening the season on the road.

The Blue Raiders came out of the gates shooting an even 50% from beyond the arc in the opening five minutes of the game, leading Northern Kentucky 13-7 at the first quarter media timeout. Middle Tennessee would continue to control the three-point line, and therefore the game, down the stretch of the opening quarter, taking a 20-12 lead into the second period.

Middle Tennessee's defense ramped up in the second quarter, allowing just nine points, 21 for the half, holding Northern Kentucky to 28% shooting from the field and 18% from three. The Blue Raiders also created four steals, leading to eight points off turnovers.

Ta'Mia Scott led all scorers with 16 points in the first half, shooting 6-8 from the field, including three made field goals from beyond the arc. Courtney Blakely featured as the second Blue Raider to score double figures in the first half, posting 10 points along with a pair of assists.

The second half proved to be a much more evenly paced game, as MTSU outscored the Norse 22-19 in the third quarter, despite shooting 7-14 from the field and a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. MTSU would see out the final 10 minutes of play, cruising to a 21-point, season-opening victory over Northern Kentucky.

Four players entered double figures tonight for Middle Tennessee for the first time since last season's 67-51 win over Liberty in the Conference USA Championship in March.

Scott paced the Blue Raiders with a game-high 24 points tonight, along with six rebounds, two assists and one block. Anastasiia Boldyreva and Courtney Blakely scored 15 apiece, while Elina Arike added 12 points of her own.

The difference maker tonight for Middle Tennessee was their ability to control the offensive glass and create transition opportunities off Northern Kentucky turnovers. The Blue Raiders finished the game with a +9 rebound differential and nine steals, leading to 22 points off 19 Norse turnovers.

By the Numbers

13: Middle Tennessee grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, leading to 11 second-chance points.

80%: The Blue Raiders shot 80%, 16-20, from the free throw line tonight.

34: MTSU controlled the interior, outscoring Northern Kentucky 34-16 in points in the paint.

Thoughts from Head Coach Rick Insell

"Jimmy Earl told me back when I first took the job at Middle Tennessee, 'Be very thankful for every road win you get in Division I basketball, because you don't get many.' And I've been fortunate to have some. We'll take the win. Get back home. Everyone is alight. No one got hurt, and we'll learn from this. We can get into this film tomorrow and get ready for Grand Canyon."

Blue Raider Notes

Scott eclipsed 500 career points with 24 tonight. Arike, Davis, Kebernick and Monson each made their Blue Raider debut, with Davis recording her first career field goal.

Up Next

The Blue Raiders will return to Murfreesboro for their 2024-25 home opener against Grand Canyon on Friday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 P.M. at the Murphy Center.

Upcoming Game Promotion: Clear Bag Giveaway

The first 250 fans to arrive for Friday's game vs. Grand Canyon will receive a free MTSU clear bag