Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Valparaiso
WBB Earns First Win Over Valpo In Worthen Arena
November 25, 2009 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State women's basketball team earned its first win over in-state rival Valparaiso in Worthen Arena Tuesday night after defeating the Crusaders 71-64. BSU had never defeated Valpo in Worthen Arena, and the Cardinals won their second straight and improve to 2-2 overall while Valpo fell to 3-1.
Senior forward Danielle Gratton led the Cardinals offensively with a 17 point performance. Senior guard Audrey McDonald scored 11 points, while sophomore guard Patrice King added 10 to the victory. Junior forward Emily Maggert chipped in nine points and led defensively with 14 rebounds.
At the start of the second half freshman guard Shanee' Jackson hit a fast break layup to put the Cardinals ahead 35-26.
Valparaiso started to chip away at Ball State's lead but back-to-back baskets from Gratton kept the Cardinals ahead of the Crusaders 39-34 at the 16:01 mark in the second period.
King dished out an assist to McDonald, who hit a three pointer to give the Cardinals their biggest advantage of the game 51-39 with 12:40 left to play. Minutes later King would hit a layup to give BSU a 13-point edge 53-40.
The Crusaders came within five, 69-64, with just seconds remaining but Ball State would hit its free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Ball State came out of the gates quickly in the opening minutes of the first half. Maggert allowed the Cardinals to get on the board first with just seconds into the contest. McDonald and King knocked down back-to-back three pointers to put Ball State up 9-2 over Valparaiso at the 15:23 mark.
The Cardinals were ahead 22-16 before going on a 5-0 run which was sparked by sophomore forward Amber Crago's jumper in the paint.
Ball State led the entire first period and by as many as 11 on two occassions. Ball State ended the half with a 31-22 edge over Valparaiso.
The Cardinals will continue its non-conference slate with a set of games in North Dakota this weekend. Ball State will play at North Dakota State Friday and at North Dakota Sunday.
