Mason Granted Release from Team

Mason said the decision was a personal choice and was not a reflection on the women's basketball program at Middle Tennessee. She leaves the team and university in good academic standing.

"It was a personal decision for myself with nothing against the team or coaches. It's a great program," Mason said. "I wish them the best of luck with the rest of the season, but I felt like I needed to do what's best for me in the long run. There are no hard feelings towards anyone."

Mason played in all 31 games as a freshman, starting 23 contests and averaging 5.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. Middle Tennessee won its third consecutive Sun Belt Conference Tournament last season, advancing to a third straight NCAA Tournament. The Blue Raiders lost to Utah, 76-71, in Tucson, Ariz., in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

This season the Chattanooga, Tenn., native had played in eight of the team's nine contests and contributed nine points, all on 3-pointers, in the club's 70-62 upset of eighth-ranked Georgia on Thursday.

"LaCondra did a good job for us. She's a good student and we hate to see her leave," Insell said. "She made a decision she feels is best for her basketball career and we wish her all the best."

Middle Tennessee returns to the floor this coming Thursday at South Alabama in the Sun Belt opener for both teams.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.