NEWARK, Del. (Interstat) — Macie Phifer scored 22 points and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders used a dominant second quarter to build an insurmountable lead, defeating the Delaware Blue Hens 67-53 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Bob Carpenter Center.

The game, a rematch of a January contest won by Delaware, saw Middle Tennessee improve to 15-13 overall while Delaware fell to 12-17.

The most important stretch of the game arrived in the second quarter, where Middle Tennessee transformed a narrow five-point lead into a commanding 38-23 halftime advantage. The Blue Raiders outscored the Blue Hens 26-16 in the period, fueled by efficient offense and disruptive defense. Phifer, a 6-foot-1 guard from New Albany, Mississippi, was instrumental, hitting a three-pointer and a jump shot during the run. Teammate Blair Baugus added six points in the quarter, and Savannah Davis connected on two three-pointers as the Blue Raiders shot 10 of 19 from the field while forcing six Delaware turnovers.

That 15-point halftime cushion proved decisive. Delaware never managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the second half, despite a more competitive effort after the break. Every time the Blue Hens threatened, Middle Tennessee had an answer, often from Phifer or Baugus, to maintain control.

Phifer’s 22-point performance on 9-of-17 shooting, including three three-pointers, marked a significant rebound from a quiet six-point outing in her previous game. She added three assists and a game-high four steals in 40 minutes of action. Baugus, a 6-1 forward from Waynesboro, Tennessee, provided crucial support with 18 points, four assists and a block.

Delaware was led by Kailah Correa’s 13 points and three assists. Ande’a Cherisier posted 10 points, five assists and four blocks, while Trinity Vance contributed 11 points off the bench. The Blue Hens struggled offensively throughout, shooting just 37% from the field and 22.7% from three-point range. Their 15 turnovers, against only five assists, underscored their difficulties in generating consistent offense against Middle Tennessee’s pressure.

Statistically, Middle Tennessee’s advantages were clear. The Blue Raiders shot 47.5% from the field and dished out 11 assists. Their defense was tenacious, recording 11 steals and converting Delaware’s turnovers into 18 points. While Delaware won the rebounding battle 36-31, including 10 offensive boards, they could not overcome their poor shooting and ball security issues.

The victory avenged a 61-48 home loss to Delaware back on Jan. 22. Since that defeat, Middle Tennessee had gone 5-6, including two straight losses entering Saturday’s contest. The win provides momentum as they head into their final regular-season games next week.

Delaware, which has lost three of its last four, faces a quick turnaround with a road game at Liberty next Friday.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 1,216.