Middle Tennessee will begin play in the 2016 C-USA Championship against No. 10 seed Rice during quarterfinal action at Bartow Arena Thursday at 5 p.m.

The Blue Raiders (21-8) carry the No. 2 seed into the tournament after compiling a 15-3 league worksheet, they have bring a wealth of momentum with them after winning 12 of their last 13.

Coach Rick Insell says his team has played well down the stretch but the thing that pleases him is how the team has improved and progressed through January, February and now into March.

Middle Tennessee has been an outstanding tournament team under Insell. The Blue Raiders are 9-1 in first-round conference tournament games under his leadership with the only setback coming in 2011 just days following the tragic death of Lady Raider Tina Stewart.

The Blue Raiders used a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining to turn back Rice, 61-60, in Houston.

The winner of Thursday's quarterfinal will play in the semifinals at 12:30 p.m. Friday.