by ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Middle Tennessee improved to 2–0 on the season with a strong 73–55 road win over Saint Louis on Thursday afternoon at the Chaifetz Arena.
The Blue Raiders set the tone early, closing the first quarter on a 7–0 run to take a 19–14 lead. MTSU controlled much of the first half, shooting 36.7 percent from the field while limiting the Billikens to 35.9 percent, and carried a 37–27 edge into halftime.
MTSU continued to build separation in the third quarter, outscoring Saint Louis 20–14 and stretching the lead to as many as 16. The Blue Raiders’ defensive pressure and rebounding presence were pivotal, turning 10 SLU turnovers into quick transition points.
In the fourth quarter, Saint Louis made a brief push, trimming the deficit to single digits, but MTSU responded with poised execution. Sophomore Savannah Davis knocked down a key three-pointer, and senior guard Alayna Contreras and freshman guard Blair Baugus helped close the game from the free-throw line as the Blue Raiders secured the 18-point victory.
Contreras finished with a game-high 23 points, adding three steals and two rebounds, while Davis contributed 15 points and three rebounds. Baugus recorded her second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Freshman Yu Han Lin added seven points.
