Horton Scores 29 in Win Over Norfolk State

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Middle Tennessee freshman Krystle Horton scored 29 points to help lead the Lady Raiders (3-1) to a 80-58 win over Norfolk State (0-3) Saturday at the FAU/Embassy Suites Classic.

Horton recorded the second double-double of her career as she also brought down 10 rebounds in the contest. Another high note was the career-high performance of senior Keisha McClinic who had 20 points and was also 4-of-5 from the three-point line.

"Krystle is a great player," said head coach Stephany Smith. "Keisha played a great game as well."

Middle Tennessee was also able to give considerable minutes to all 11 players on the bench and transfer Yamil Cordero and freshman Jenne Webb saw time on the court for the first time this season. Cordero also got on the line score as she scored two points, snagged one rebound and had two assists.

For the second straight game the Lady Raiders shot over 50 percent from the field with 56.4 and also shot 46.7 from the three-point line. The Lady Raiders were also 11-of-17 from the free throw line for 64.7 percent. Norfolk State only shot 32.3 from the field.

"Norfolk State played a zone for over 30 minutes and we played zone for 40 and I was pleased by our composure," Smith said. "We are a 3-1 basketball team but tonight is the first time we really felt good about ourselves."

Middle Tennessee burst out of the gate in the first half going on a 29-to-19 run in the first 10 minutes. The Lady Raiders scored a season-high 49 points in the first half and only allowed Norfolk State to score 28. Norfolk State could only muster nine points in the final 10 minutes of the half as the Lady Raiders attacked the basket from the outside and the inside, shooting 66 percent from the field and 62 percent from behind the three-point arch.

Middle Tennessee continues its road swing as the Lady Raiders travel to Cincinnati to take on Xavier on December 3. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

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