Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
North Dakota
McDonald Has Career Three Point Day In Win Over North Dakota
November 29, 2009 | Women's Basketball
Strong shooting and rebounding allowed the Cardinals to earn the victory over the Fighting Sioux. Ball State outrebounded North Dakota 43-to-29 while shooting 51.9 percent from the field.
Ball State had three players score in double digits with McDonald leading the way with 22 points. Junior forward Emily Maggert earned her sixth double-double game of her career after chipping in 20 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Senior forward Danielle Gratton ended the game with 18 points.
Freshman guard Shanee' Jackson hit a quick jumper out of the gates in the start of the second half to tie the game 39-39. The Cardinals finally took control of the second half with under 15 minutes to play after freshman guard Chloe Barnes hit her second trey of the game.
McDonald would hit back-to-back three pointers to increase the Cardinals lead to 59-48 at around the 12 minute mark. With the threes' McDonald became Ball State women's basketball all-time career record holder for three pointers made with a total of 254 three pointers. The record was previously held by former Cardinal Johna Goff (2001-04).
Ball State continued to shoot well and play strong defense the remainder of the game.
A pair of baskets from McDonald and Gratton gave the Cardinals and early 5-2 advantage over the Fighting Sioux in the opening minutes of the first half. North Dakota went on an 8-0 run to take a 10-5 advantage over Ball State.
Maggert hit back-to-back baskets to pull the Cardinals within 10-7 with just under 15 minutes remaining. Ball State play was aggressive and regained a 15-13 lead after a pair of three's from McDonald and Gratton.
Ball State's lead was short lived after the Fighting Sioux went down and hit a three to go up 16-15 with 11:44 left on the clock.
The game was tied 19-19 before North Dakota would take back the lead at 23-19. The Cardinals trailed the Fighting Sioux by seven with 2:59 to go in the first half.
Ball State went on a 6-0 run shortly after that which was sparked by Barnes after knocking down a three, Ball State went up 37-36 over North Dakota with 15 seconds left. The Fighting Sioux would head into the half up 39-37 over Ball State after hitting a last second three pointer.
