WBB Closes Non-Conference Action with Impressive Win Over Oakland City

Saturday, December 30

Muncie, Ind.

3 pm

Ball State University

10-2,0-0MAC

Oakland City University (Battle of the Bands)

0-2

Oakland City

Ball St.

WBB Closes Non-Conference Action with Impressive Win Over Oakland City

December 30, 2023 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State women's basketball team turned in another impressive non-conference season as the Cardinals closed out 2023 with an impressive 95-58 victory over the Oakland City Mighty Oaks Saturday afternoon in Worthen Arena.

The win over Oakland City (7-6) marked Ball State's 10th of the season as the Cardinals closed out non-conference play with a 10-2 ledger for Ball State's best start since the 2017 season when the Cardinals finished non-conference play 12-0.

For the game, Ball State had three players reach double figures, junior Madelyn Bischoff led the Cardinals offensively with 16 points. Senior Annie Rauch finished with 15 points and seven rebounds while senior Estel Puiggros wrapped up the day with 14 points which included 4-of-6 shooting from behind the arc.

All-in-all it was an overall team effort as all 14 Cardinals saw playing time with 13 of them scoring two points or more.

After a slight holiday break, the Cardinals, and the Mighty Oaks both started the game off slowly. Ball State had a slight 8-6 lead at the 6:09 before going on a 28-5 scoring spree which lasted the remainder of the first quarter. Ally Becki and Bischoff provided the offensive spark and then their teammates continued, allowing the Cardinals to pull away early for a 28-11 first frame advantage.

Oakland City found some offensive rhythm in the second stanza, but Ball State continued to outpace them, as the teams went into the half with the Cardinals leading by almost 30 points (52-26). The bench led the Cardinals at the half with Puiggros having 14 and Rauch with 11.

In the second half, the Cardinals continued their fast-paced offense as head coach Brady Sallee continued to utilize the Cardinals bench. Fresh legs helped Ball State to keep up its strong defense throughout the remainder of the contest.

For the game, Ball State shot a whopping 55 percent (33-60) from the field, saw 52 points scored from its bench while scoring 36 points in the paint and 17 off fast break layups.

The Ball State women's basketball team will open Mid-American Conference action on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at Western Michigan. Tipoff is at 7 pm ET in Read Fieldhouse