Blue Raiders open 2010 at home Sunday

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Middle Tennessee women's basketball team closed the 2009 calendar year with a strong performance at New Orleans Wednesday and will look to continue the momentum when it begins 2010 at 2 p.m. Sunday by playing host to Louisiana inside the Murphy Center.

The Blue Raiders defeated the Lady Privateers, 102-57, in their last outing for their third-straight victory. Seniors Brandi Brown and Alysha Clark each netted 25 points as Middle Tennessee improved to 7-4, 2-0 in the Sun Belt. The Blue Raiders hit 14 3-pointers as a team in the win, including five from Brown.

Clark continues to lead the squad with 23.7 ppg and 11.7 rpg. She tops the league in both categories and is also the SBC pace setter by knocking down 63.0 percent of her field goals. Brown (12.2 ppg) and Jackie Pickel (11.1 ppg) also average in double figures.

Louisiana enters Sunday's game with a 4-9 record, including a 0-2 slate in league action. The Ragin' Cajuns dropped a 62-47 decision at Western Kentucky Thursday in their first road Sun Belt game of the campaign. Head coach Errol Rogers' squad last won Dec. 21 when it defeated Centenary at home, 77-50.

Sophomore forward Mercedes Johnson leads the team with 13.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg. She posted a double-double against the Lady Toppers Thursday with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Preseason All-Sun Belt selection Alexis Green also averages double figures, putting in 12.3 ppg.

The Blue Raiders lead the all-time series 14-0 since the two teams started playing in 2000-01. Middle Tennessee is 7-0 in games played in Murfreesboro, including last year's 85-57 triumph.

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