Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Illinois State
WBB Loses Season Opener to Illinois State, 63-52
November 12, 2011 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State women's basketball team (0-1) opened its 2011-12 season with a 63-52 loss to Illinois State (1-0) Friday night in Worthen Arena in the season opener for both teams.
The Redbirds led the entire second half, Ball State was able to cut the lead to four at 47-43 with 7:15 remaining in the contest on a layup by Shanee Jackson. But, Illinois State scored seven unanswered points to increase its advantage to 54-43 at the 4:18 mark.
Senior center Amber Crago opened the second half with a jumper making the score 39-32. Ball State's defense held Illinois State scoreless up until the 15:47 mark. With 11:25 left in the contest, junior guard Mercedes Miller brought the Cardinals within five after a fast break layup which made the score 41-36, but the Redbirds still prevailed as they continued to build on their halftime lead.
After Illinois State opened the game with a quick basket, freshman Brittany Carter in her first collegiate start, quickly answered back with a three pointer. The remainder of the half resulted in a seesaw match as both teams traded baskets which had eight lead changes and three ties.
The Cardinals led 24-22 after Carter hit two from the charity stripe at the 5:03 mark before Illinois State would take control of the last five minutes of the contest after putting together a 5-0 run with 2:12 left to play in half the Redbirds headed into the lockerroom with a 39-30 advantage over Ball State.
Carter led all Ball State scorers with 12 points, while Jackson managed 10 points. Miller led the Cardinals with 11 rebounds plus added six points. Ball State also out-rebounded Illinois State 45-to-37. Illinois State limited the Cardinals to a .321 field goal shooting percentage mark, while shooting .424 for the game.
The Ball State women's basketball will travel to Wright State Sunday at the Nutter Center with a 1 p.m. tipoff.
