Ball State University
14-5, 6-2MAC
Ohio
17-3, 9-0MAC
Ohio Escapes with 68-67 Win Over Ball State
January 31, 2016 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. – In a matchup of the two Mid-American Conference women's basketball division leaders, East leader Ohio pulled out a 68-67 win at West leader Ball State Saturday afternoon in Worthen Arena.
Ohio's (17-3, 9-0 MAC) Lexie Baldwin converted an old-fashioned three-point play with 4.6 seconds remaining to propel the Bobcats to their 12th straight victory.
Ball State (14-5, 6-2) had one final shot for the win, but junior Jill Morrison's long three-pointer bounced off the rim as time expired.
"Our kids hurt right now, but that's what happens when you lay it all out there and give everything you have," Ball State head coach Brady Sallee said. "They made one more play than we did and that's what it came down to. There's a lot of season left and we have to do our part to make sure we get to where we want to go come March."
The game was close throughout and featured 11 ties and 11 lead changes. Morrison put the Cardinals ahead by nine points with 3:09 remaining, 63-54, when she netted her third three-pointer of the second half.
However, Ohio quickly responded with back-to-back threes from Yamonie Jenkins and Baldwin to cut the deficit to one point, 63-62, with two minutes left.
Morrison converted two free throws with 14 seconds left to put Ball State back in front by two points, 67-65. Baldwin then made a lay-up and was fouled coming out of an Ohio timeout with 4.6 seconds remaining.
Morrison and senior Nathalie Fontaine each notched 18 points to pace the Cardinals.
Ohio's Kiyanna Black led all players with 23 points.
Ball State is back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 3 with a home game against Akron. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State women's basketball team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWBB and @BSUCoachBrady.
