Preview: Delaware Blue Hens at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start to Conference USA play when it hosts Delaware on Thursday night at Murphy Athletics Center.

The Blue Raiders (10-8 overall) enter the matchup having won five of their last six games, including a narrow 68-67 road victory over Sam Houston last Saturday. Guard Alayna Contreras has been a driving force, averaging 19.3 points over her last three contests. She scored 22 points with four assists in the win at Sam Houston.

Delaware (7-10) snapped a four-game skid with a 76-69 home win over Liberty on Jan. 17. Guard Kailah Correa led the way with 21 points in that victory, showcasing the scoring ability she has provided all season for the Blue Hens.

Middle Tennessee has found success with a stifling defense, holding opponents to an average of 49.2 points during its recent 5-1 stretch. That defense will be tested by a Delaware team that scored a season-high 76 points in its last outing, fueled by Correa and Ande’a Cherisier, who added 19 points.

The Blue Raiders have been dominant at home in conference play, winning their two league games in Murfreesboro by an average of 45 points. Delaware is 0-4 in true road games this season.

This is the first meeting between the programs as Conference USA opponents. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff on Jan. 22.

For Delaware, the contest begins a challenging two-game road swing through Tennessee, with a game at Western Kentucky to follow on Saturday. Middle Tennessee remains home to host Liberty on Saturday.

Based on the provided records and recent form, Middle Tennessee will aim to use its home-court advantage and defensive intensity to extend its winning streak, while Delaware seeks to build momentum from its last win and secure a rare road victory.