Ball State University
9-2,0-0MAC
Tarleton State University
6-4,0-0WAC
Resilient, Energetic Cardinals Down Texans in OT; WBB extends Win Streak to Seven
December 19, 2022 | Women's Basketball
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Ball State women's basketball team opened play at the Puerto Rico Classic with another resilient overtime performance after taking down Tarleton State by a score of 80-77 Monday afternoon at Coliseo Roberto Clemente.
With the win, the Cardinals improved to 9-2 overall and have extended their win streak to seven while the Texans dropped to 6-4 on the year.
"Wow, our squad showed a ton of grit today," Ball State Head Coach Brady Sallee said. "Tarleton State presented some challenges today and I give credit to my team for sticking with it and finding a way to get the win."
It was one of the most attacking, up-tempo second halves the Cardinals have played all season after falling behind to the Texans 39-32 in opening 20 minutes of play.
After intermission, Ball State started to close the scoring gap against Tarleton trailing by only four (58-54) at the end of the third frame.
Sophomore Alex Richard and graduate senior Thelma Dis Agustsdottir both hit back-to-back baskets to give the Cardinals a 61-59 edge over the Texans at the beginning of the fourth period. The remainder of the fourth stanza was a back-and-forth affair that included four lead changes and four ties, which eventually sent the game into overtime.
Richard found sophomore Ally Becki for a 3-pointer at the start of the extra period to get the Cardinals off to a strong start. After that, Ball State never looked back and maintained its energy level the remainder of the contest to seal the victory.
For the game, four Cardinals reached double-digit scoring as Becki and Agustsdottir led the charge with 17 points apiece. Senior Annie Rauch dropped in 12 points, while Madelyn Bischoff chipped in 11 and redshirt senior Anna Clephane rounded out the double figure scoring with 10. Rauch also led Ball State defensively with 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.
The Ball State women's basketball team will close out its two-game competition at the Puerto Rico Classic when it plays Richmond Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET.
