DALLAS – After a historic first week in a Blue Raider uniform, Middle Tennessee freshman forward Blair Baugus has been named the Conference USA Freshman of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday afternoon.

Baugus, a native of Waynesboro, Tennessee, became an immediate difference-maker for a roster featuring eight newcomers. The freshman opened her collegiate career with back-to-back double-doubles, making her the only freshman in the nation to start two games and record a double-double in each to begin the 2025-26 season. She is the first MTSU freshman to achieve the feat since Ebony Rowe in 2010-11.

Baugus made her debut in Middle Tennessee's 59-55 win over Tennessee State, posting 10 points and 12 rebounds to go with five blocks, four steals and two assists in 34 minutes. Her five blocks were the most by any CUSA player during opening week.

She followed that performance with another commanding outing in the Blue Raiders' 73-55 road win at Saint Louis. Baugus tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds, added three assists, two steals and two blocks, and knocked down all six of her free throw attempts. Through two games, the freshman is averaging 11.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.0 steals and 2.5 assists while shooting 38.1 percent from the field.

Her two-way presence has been instrumental in Middle Tennessee's 2-0 start, as she leads all CUSA freshmen in scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks, minutes and efficiency.

Up Next
Middle Tennessee travels to Cookeville, Tennessee, to take on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. The game will air on the Blue Raider Network and broadcast on ESPN+. 

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