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Middle Tennessee squares off against Cleveland State in NIT matchup

By The Associated Press

Cleveland State Vikings (25-9, 14-8 Horizon) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (17-15, 11-8 CUSA)

Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Middle Tennessee and Cleveland State meet in the National Invitation Tournament.

The Blue Raiders’ record in CUSA games is 11-8, and their record is 6-7 in non-conference play. Middle Tennessee ranks fourth in the CUSA at limiting opponent scoring, giving up 60.2 points while holding opponents to 39.7% shooting.

The Vikings’ record in Horizon action is 14-8. Cleveland State ranks fourth in the Horizon with 24.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Izzi Zingaro averaging 5.4.

Middle Tennessee scores 62.1 points per game, 2.0 more points than the 60.1 Cleveland State gives up. Cleveland State has shot at a 44.7% clip from the field this season, 5.0 percentage points greater than the 39.7% shooting opponents of Middle Tennessee have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Alayna Contreras is averaging 14.5 points and 1.5 steals for the Blue Raiders. Blair Baugus is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.

Zingaro is averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Vikings. Colbi Maples is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Blue Raiders: 5-5, averaging 65.4 points, 30.3 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 8.6 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 39.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.3 points per game.

Vikings: 8-2, averaging 72.1 points, 34.0 rebounds, 13.7 assists, 8.7 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.5 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Cheryl Reeve steps away from the WNBA grind for a Hall of Fame induction

By The Associated Press
Cheryl Reeve is taking a break from her busy WNBA season to head to Knoxville this weekend and be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. She's only the second WNBA coach to enter the Hall of Fame, joining former Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor, who was inducted in 2001. “(I appreciate) the magnitude of this recognition of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the great work that has gone into this institution,” Reeve said. “To walk around and see the history of how much has been done years before I could ever have this opportunity to coach. Grateful to the WNBA because I think there was some consideration given schedule wise.” Reeve will be joined by WNBA greats Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne in this year's class. Parker and Delle Donne also will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Other inductees include ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl, Spanish star Amaya Valdemoro, French great Isabelle Fijalkowski and Clemson's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.
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