Sat Mar 01 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## MTSU Women’s Basketball Dominates UTEP in Senior Night Victory

**MURFREESBORO, Tenn. –** The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders women’s basketball team concluded their regular season home slate with a resounding 57-35 victory over the UTEP Miners on Wednesday. The win showcased the Blue Raiders’ exceptional defense, holding UTEP to a mere 25.9% shooting from the field.

Several graduating seniors led the defensive charge, receiving a well-deserved celebration following the game. Courtney Blakely recorded season highs in steals (five) and rebounds (eight), while Anastasiia Boldyreva swatted away a season-high eight blocks, surpassing 100 total blocks for the second consecutive year. Elina Arike effectively limited UTEP’s leading scorers, contributing to the team’s overall defensive success. Jalynn Gregory also played a crucial role in containing UTEP’s top scorer, holding her to only three points.

The game saw a back-and-forth first quarter, with UTEP taking an early lead before MTSU responded with a surge of three-pointers to take a 14-13 advantage. The Blue Raiders’ dominance intensified in the second quarter, extending their lead to double digits thanks to a suffocating defense that held UTEP scoreless for a significant stretch. Ta’Mia Scott led the offensive effort with 16 points by halftime.

MTSU’s defensive prowess continued in the second half, limiting UTEP to a mere five points in the third quarter and ultimately securing the victory. Scott finished the game with a team-high 25 points, while Gregory added 10 points in the final quarter.

The win marks the Blue Raiders’ 15th Conference USA victory of the season, their third consecutive season with at least 15 conference wins. This year’s graduating class also cemented its place in program history as the winningest four-year class, boasting 108 wins and counting.

Head coach Rick Insell praised his seniors’ contributions, highlighting Boldyreva’s resilience after an early injury scare and the overall defensive effort that restricted UTEP to just 35 points. Scott expressed her pride in playing for her graduating teammates.

The Blue Raiders now embark on their final road trip, facing Liberty on Thursday night.

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