Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
15-4,5-1MAC
Central Michigan University
3-14,1-5MAC
WBB Pulls Off Gritty Win Over Central Michigan
January 21, 2023 | Women's Basketball
With the win the Cardinals remain undefeated (9-0) at home
MUNCIE, Ind. - It wasn't pretty, but the Ball State women's basketball team pulled off yet another gritty win in Mid-American Conference action Saturday afternoon in Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals (15-4, 5-1 MAC) defeated Central Michigan (3-14, 1-5 MAC) by a score of 71-62 for their best conference start since the 2016-17 season. With the win, Ball State also remained undefeated at home with a 9-0 mark.
Check out @BSUCoachBrady opening statement after the Cardinals win today against the Chippewas????#ChirpChirp x #WeFly pic.twitter.com/g20t0q8t5L
— Ball State WBB (@BallStateWBB) January 21, 2023
Although the Chippewas record isn't what it has been in the past, CMU remains one of the toughest opponents to compete against historically in the MAC and today's contest proved that statement to be true.
Ball State didn't make today's win easy as the game would ultimately come down to the wire despite the Cardinals having control for 34:10 of the 40-minute duration.
The Cardinals opened the game strong, taking a 9-4 lead over CMU after a driving layup from redshirt senior Anna Clephane at the 5:42 mark. But Central Michigan fought back to take a slim 11-10 lead just under the three minute mark. After a scoring drought from both teams, sophomore Ally Becki ended the first frame of action with a fast break layup to put BSU back up by one (12-11).
After that, the see saw match continued but the Cardinals continued to have the upper hand, outscoring the Chippewas 22-17 to take a slim 34-28 advantage over CMU at intermission.
The second half was just as close but fortunately for the Cardinals they were able to hold onto to their halftime lead the remainder of the ball game.
In the final 10 minutes, Central Michigan made it a one possession ball game (57-55) with 7:43 left on the clock. Ball State turned up its defense and fought hard underneath the basket to get some much needed points which would ultimately seal today's victory for the Cardinals.
For the game, Clephane led the Cardinals again this week in scoring with 19 points while Sophomore Marie Kiefer wasn't too far behind with 16. Becki finished the day with 12 points and sophomore Madelyn Bischoff rounded out the double-digit scoring with 10. Kiefer also led the Cardinals defensively with eight rebounds and two block solos.
The Ball State women's basketball team remains at home in Mid-American Conference action Wednesday when it hosts Akron for a 6:30 p.m. ET midweek MACtion game in Worthen Arena.
