Final exhibition next on docket for Blue Raiders

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The second of two exhibition games for the nationally-ranked Middle Tennessee women's basketball team will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday when then Blue Raiders play host to Lincoln Memorial inside the Murphy Center. Admission to the game, and the men's contest against North Alabama which follows as part of a MT basketball doubleheader, is free.

The Blue Raiders, ranked No. 24 in the preseason Associated Press poll, opened the campaign with a 96-68 exhibition triumph last Monday against Carson-Newman. Three players reached double-figure scoring, while Preseason First Team All-Sun Belt selections Alysha Clark and Brandi Brown each contributed a double-double.

Four freshmen saw action in the tilt against the Lady Eagles. The quartet of Icelyn Elie, Kortni Jones, Dymon Raynor and Jamila Ajanaku combined for 12 points in 25 minutes.

Lincoln Memorial enters the game after posting an 11-17 record under head coach Stephanie Smith. The Lady Railsplitters return one starter and nine letterwinners to this year's team.

The two teams met last season in exhibition action almost one year to the date, Nov. 10, 2008, with the Blue Raiders garnering an 116-41 victory behind six players reaching double figures, including a game-high 30 from Clark.

Middle Tennessee will begin regular-season action at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 against UCF inside the Murphy Center.

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