Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Illinois State
Women's Basketball Tallies 86-80 Win Over Illinois State
December 13, 2009 | Women's Basketball
The win over the Redbirds marks the first victory for a Mid-American Conference school over Illinois State since the 2006-07 season. Heading into today's game Ball State last defeated Illinois State in 2003.
It was a career day for Muncie native and junior guard Ty'Ronda Benning who led the Cardinals in scoring with 22 points. Three other Cardinals scored in double figures with junior forward Emily Maggert chipping in 21 points, while teammates Audrey McDonald, a senior guard, had 16 points and senior forward Danielle Gratton ended the day with 14.
Sophomore forward Jade Barber also made an impact on today's game after scoring eight points off the bench while adding three blocks.
The game was tied 43-43 in the opening minutes of the second half before Ball State went on a 10-0 run which was sparked by a Maggert layup. The Cardinals took a 53-43 advantage over the Redbirds after that run with just over 14 minutes left to play in the contest.
The Redbirds could not keep up with the Cardinals up tempo pace as Ball State continued to shoot the ball well, while playing strong defense. Barber's layup with 6:52 on the clock built Ball State's cushion to 13 points, making it a 66-53 ball game.
Illinois State chipped away at Ball State's lead to come within five, 81-76, under the one minute mark but the Cardinals would hit their free throws down the stretch to lock in the victory.
In a tightly contested first half, both teams traded baskets, which resulted in seven lead changes and five ties. Ball State managed to tie the game late after trailing the Redbirds for over two minutes. Benning's jumper with 53 seconds left in the first stanza evened the score at 37-37, but Illinois State hit a quick jumper to end the half up 39-37.
