Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Nevada Reno
WBB Loses 74-70 to Nevada Reno
December 21, 2010 | Women's Basketball
RIVERIA MAYA, Mexico - The Ball State women's basketball team (4-7) closed out play at the Caribbean Classic Tuesday afternoon after losing a hard fought battle to Nevada Reno (9-2) by a score of 74-70 at the Aventura Palace.
The Cardinals had three players score in double figures with senior forward Emily Maggert leading the way with 18 points on the day. Freshman guard Brandy Woody had a career high 12 points while teammate Ty'Ronda Benning also chipped in 12 for the game. Despite the loss Ball State outrebounded Nevada Reno 29-to-23.
With 12:25 remaining in the second half, sophomore guard Mercedes Miller knocked down a three pointer to give Ball State back its first lead since the first half, 42-40. Ball State then went on an 8-0 scoring spurt after a trey from senior guard Ty'Ronda Benning and a layup from freshman forward Katie Murphy.
But Nevada quickly answered back with a run of its own to tie the game 50-50. Both teams traded baskets for a while but the Wolfpack led by six 63-57 with 5:23 left on the clock. The Cardinals orchestrated a 6-0 run to tie the game 63-63 after a three pointer from Maggert. The Wolfpack would then build a 72-66 cushion which Ball State could not recover from the Cardinals would come close after free throws from Maggert to make it 72-70 but the Wolfpack would score again to win the game.
Ball State came out of the gates strong in the first half taking an early 5-4 lead after that the Cardinals put together a 7-0 run with help from Woody as she knocked down two free throws, junior guard Megan Craft hit a three pointer and senior forward Emily Maggert managed a jumper to give BSU a 12-4 edge over Nevada at the 15 minute mark.
Nevada answered back with an 8-0 run to tie the game at 13-13, after that both teams traded baskets, Nevada went ahead 23-18 just under the four minute mark. Ball State tied the game 23-23 after sophomore guard Shanee' Jackson complete a three point play after making her free throw and a driving score to the basket from Woody. The Wolfpack pack would hold a 30-27 advantage over Ball State at intermission.
The Cardinals will return to action Dec. 30, when Ball State hosts St. Louis at Worthen Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. To purchase tickets to the game, go to www.ballstatesports.com or call the ticket office at 1.888.BSU.TICKET.
