MTSU turns focus from tragedy to tourney

Samford guard Emily London shoots during practice for the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Samford will face Florida State on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

1 of 6

Florida State guard Courtney Ward dibbles during practice in the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Florida State faces Samford on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

2 of 6

Georgia coach Andy Landers talks with his players during practice for the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Georgia will face Middle Tennessee State on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

3 of 6

Georgia guard Jasmine James shoots during practice for the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Georgia will face Middle Tennessee State on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

4 of 6

Samford coach Mike Morris talks to his players during practice for the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Samford will face Florida State on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

5 of 6

Florida State coach Sue Semrau watches as her team during practice in the first round of the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, March 19, 2011. Florida State faces Samford on Sunday.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

6 of 6

AUBURN, Ala. — Now, it's back to basketball for Middle Tennessee.

The 11th-seeded Blue Raiders will open the NCAA tournament Sunday night against No. 6 seed Georgia at the Auburn Regional, 16 days after the slaying of junior guard Tina Stewart and eight since the team traveled to Memphis for her funeral.

Teammate Anne Marie Lanning says time and spring break at home with families have helped the healing process. Lanning says Stewart is "still part of us but we've moved on."

The Blue Raiders will have a patch in her honor either on their warmup shirt or their game jerseys. Chances are they'll wear some purple, too, since that was Stewart's favorite color.

No. 3 Florida State and No. 14 Samford will meet in the first game Sunday.

Next Up In U.S. and world

Fed raises interest rates by 0.5%, the highest rise since 2000

Here are the 14 inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Why was President Biden talking about Utah’s 2002 Winter Games at the White House?

CDC reinstates mask recommendation for planes, trains

While U.S. hits new job quitting record, this man set his own record — 84 years at the same company

The U.S. housing market is historically overvalued. Moody’s says these cities may see prices drop up to 10%