MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Despite a strong showing defensively, Middle Tennessee fell 67-52 in its home opener Sunday to No. 13 Kentucky.
The Lady Raiders (1-1) did what's become commonplace on the defensive end, holding one of the best teams in the country to 39 percent shooting. They just couldn't find enough offense against an equally tough Wildcats (2-0) defense.
Middle Tennessee's impressive defense was especially effective against Kentucky sophomore Rhyne Howard. The reigning national freshman of the year finished with nine points on 2-of-10 shooting, and she was called for four fouls, including a technical.