Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
12-7,5-4MAC
University at Buffalo
11-7,5-3MAC
Women’s Basketball Grinds Out Tough Road Win at Buffalo
January 26, 2022 | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Ball State women's basketball team found a way to win down the stretch, beating Buffalo on the road 72-70 Wednesday night in Alumni Arena.
The Cardinals (12-7, 5-4 MAC) had to play again tonight with limited numbers for their second-straight contest but that did not seem to faze them against the Bulls (11-7, 5-3 MAC).
Even Brady Sallee said after the game, "that his team did a great job staying strong through a tough stretch as they were shorthanded tonight."
It seems like the more diverse the situation is for the Cardinals the stronger they become in each passing contest, as a matter-of-fact tonight's victory was the third win in a row for Ball State.
Before the contest Sallee told the team that if they controlled the boards, they were going to win the game. He wasn't lying. Ball State out-rebounded Buffalo tonight 46-38.
The Cardinals were led by freshman Ally Becki who had another career-best performance after scoring 21 points. Becki's night was highlighted when she drained a half-court shot as time expired to give the Cardinals the 37-34 lead over the Bulls at intermission.
Senior Thelma Dis Agustsdottir and junior Estel Puiggros also scored in double figures with 16 points apiece. The 16 points for Puiggros was a personal high.
Ball State started the game strong and ended the game strong. It is always a dog fight between these two teams every season it seems. The Cardinals though controlled the tempo of the contest and had the lead for 33:25.
It was a back-and-forth affair in the first 10 minutes of action as both squads traded baskets. With 2:27 left in the first stanza, Becki hit layup to put the Cardinals up 21-19 over the Bulls. After that, Ball State never looked back.
Of course, the game got a little too close for comfort at times, but Ball State never lost its composer.
With 31 seconds left it was a one-point (71-70) ball game. Graduate senior Chyna Latimer was sent to the line which she went 1-of-2 from the charity Stripe.
The Bulls would then have the ball as time was winding down, but a missed UB shot allowed BSU freshman Marie Kiefer to get the rebound, giving the Cardinals back the possession and ultimately sealing the victory for Ball State.
The Ball State women's basketball team will play at Ohio on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. ET at the Convocation Center.
