Preview: Middle Tennessee at Wichita State Women’s Basketball

WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders visit the Wichita State Shockers in a nonconference women’s basketball game at Charles Koch Arena.

Both programs enter with sub-.500 records. Middle Tennessee is 4-7 following a 68-52 home loss to Auburn on Tuesday. Wichita State is 3-9 but carries a modest two-game winning streak after defeating Oral Roberts 79-65, also on Tuesday.

The game could hinge on which team’s standout performer delivers. For the Blue Raiders, guard Carsyn Swaney is coming off an 11-point effort in 29 minutes against Auburn. For the Shockers, guard Abby Cater has been on a scoring tear, averaging 23.5 points over her last two games, including a 24-point performance in the win over Oral Roberts.

Middle Tennessee’s season has been marked by offensive struggles, failing to reach 60 points in six of its seven losses. In its most recent road game, the Blue Raiders fell 76-59 at Southern Indiana on Dec. 14.

Wichita State’s recent wins over Oral Roberts and Loyola Marymount provided a bright spot after a 1-9 start. Beyond Cater, the Shockers have received consistent production from Jaila Harding, who had 17 points and four assists last time out.

The Blue Raiders will look to counter with contributions from players like Alayna Contreras, who scored 12 points against Auburn, and Blair Baugus, who logged 39 minutes in that contest.

This matchup represents the final nonconference tune-up for both sides before league play begins in January. Middle Tennessee opens Conference USA action Jan. 2 at Kennesaw State. Wichita State begins American Athletic Conference play Dec. 30 at Tulsa.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 20, in Wichita.