New Mexico State's Aerial Assault Downs Lady Raiders 88-67

LAS CRUCES, NM - A three-point aerial assault by New Mexico State (7-8, 3-2 Sun Belt) in the second half, put the game out of reach for the Middle Tennessee Lady Raiders (8-7, 1-2 Sun Belt) as they dropped their second Sun Belt Conference game in a row with a 88-67 loss on Thursday.

New Mexico State hit nine three-point shots in the second half and was led by Jenia Dimitrova, who accounted for five and had six for the game. The Aggies had 13 three pointers in the game, which is a new school record, while the Lady Raiders put up seven.

"New Mexico State leads the conference in three point shooting," said head coach Stephany Smith. "It was a key part of our game plan to stop their perimeter shooting, and obviously we didn't get it done."

Junior guard Mia Parviainen had a big night for the Lady Raiders as she scored a season high 15 points, which also ties her career record. Senior Jamie Thomatis led Middle Tennessee with 19 points.

Middle Tennessee travels to Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday for the second leg of its Sun Belt road trip. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

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