Junior guard stabbed to death at MTSU

Horrible news out of Middle Tennessee State, where junior guard Tina Stewart has been stabbed to death in her apartment. Stewart's roommate, an 18-year-old freshman, has been charged with first-degree murder.

The Blue Raiders finished the regular season with a 23-6 record and won the Sun Belt Conference East Division. They are ranked No. 13 in our Ladyswish poll of non-BCS conference teams and are considered a serious candidate for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid should they fail to win the Sun Belt Tournament.

After meeting with athletic director Chris Masaro and head coach Rick Insell, the Blue Raiders have decided to play in the Sun Belt Tournament beginning this weekend in Hot Springs, Ark. MTSU's first game will be on Sunday against Arkansas State or Florida Atlantic in the tournament quarterfinals.

Stewart started 14 of 28 games for the Blue Raiders, averaging 5.5 points per game. On Dec. 12, she scored 10 points and tied her career high with 3 3-pointers in an 81-75 victory over James Madison. Stewart appeared in 81 games for MTSU, second among current Blue Raiders behind only senior Anne Marie Lanning.

University president Dr. Sidney A. McPhee released this open letter to the school community Thursday. The team will gather in vigil Thursday night at the University's Murphy Center.