Huntsville Hosts CUSA Semifinal: Blue Raiders vs. Hilltoppers

News Summary

Huntsville, Alabama, is set to host the CUSA semifinal showdown between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the WKU Hilltoppers on March 14. Following a recent win, the Blue Raiders enter the game with a 44-33 edge in their rivalry, showcasing solid performances from standout players like Ta’Mia Scott and Anastasiia Boldyreva. WKU, boasting a strong overall record, aims to compete fiercely. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.

Huntsville Gears Up for the CUSA Semifinal Showdown!

The excitement is in the air as Huntsville, Alabama, prepares for a thrilling matchup! The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are set to face off against the WKU Hilltoppers on Friday, March 14, starting at 8 p.m. This will be the 78th chapter in their storied rivalry, with the Blue Raiders holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 44-33.

Recent History Favors the Blue Raiders

In their recent meetings, Middle Tennessee has shown they mean business, having already defeated WKU 73-63 earlier in the season. Expectations are high following that impressive performance where junior Ta’Mia Scott shined brighter than ever, racking up 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks. Alongside her, senior Anastasiia Boldyreva made headlines with a formidable double-double of her own, scoring 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, while also contributing five blocks to the defensive front.

The Best Defense in the Nation

Now let’s talk defense! The Blue Raiders boast the No. 1 Defense in the nation, holding opponents to just 51.5 points per game with a stunning 32.4 percent shooting average. It’s no wonder they’ve earned respect around the league as they continue to build on a historic legacy. Their graduating class is hailed as the winningest four-year class in the program’s history with a whopping 109 wins. If that doesn’t speak volumes about their success, we’re not sure what does!

Record-Breaking Performances

As the season progresses, Boldyreva has not just helped her team shine; she’s also been busy racking up personal accolades. She leads the league and ranks first in the nation with 119 blocks and an impressive average of 3.7 blocks per game. This season has seen the Blue Raiders achieve at least 17 wins in each campaign for the past 23 years, a feat only matched by powerhouses like Tennessee, UConn, and Baylor in NCAA DI history. Talk about a program with staying power!

A Strong Coaching Legacy

Head coach Rick Insell has been pivotal in this run with an impressive record of 488-163 at MTSU. Under his guidance, the Blue Raiders have made it to 19 consecutive post-seasons. As we look ahead, 2024-25 marks the 50th varsity season for the women’s basketball program, celebrating its rich history and achievements.

WKU Brings Energy and Record

Meanwhile, the Hilltoppers are no slouches themselves, entering the game with an impressive 23-8 overall record and a solid 13-5 performance in CUSA action. Recently, they defeated FIU 73-66 to punch their ticket for this semifinal showdown. Senior Alexis Mead leads WKU as the top scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game and facilitating plays with 4.2 assists. Junior Josie Gilvin will be crucial as well, leading the team in rebounds, steals, and contributing blocks to keep the game competitive.

A Rivalry Like No Other

The rivalry between these two teams has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with both teams splitting their regular-season meetings. With Middle Tennessee taking the recent win, they go into the game with confidence. Both the Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers come into this semifinal after solid quarterfinal victories, as MTSU triumphed over Kennesaw State with a resounding score of 73-46.

Don’t Miss the Action!

Fans, friends, and family are invited to tune in for what promises to be an electrifying game broadcasted on ESPN+. So grab your jerseys, gather your friends, and don’t miss the chance to witness this exciting CUSA semifinal showdown in Huntsville!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Bowling Green Prepared for a Week of WKU Athletics
Jacksonville State Prepares for CUSA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Additional Resources

• Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
• FIU Sports
• WKU Sports
• BG Daily News
• WKU Herald
• Wikipedia: NCAA Women’s Basketball
• Google Search: Women’s basketball tournament
• Google Scholar: womens basketball statistics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
• Google News: women’s basketball “CUSA”