Ball State University
23-5,13-2MAC
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Western Michigan University
10-16,5-10MAC
WBB Improves To 14-0 At Home With Impressive Win Over WMU
February 22, 2023 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State women's basketball team turned in another dominating performance Wednesday night in Worthen Arena, earning an 80-49 victory over Western Michigan to improve to 14-0 in home games this season.
The 31-point advantage tied as the Cardinals (23-5; 13-2 Mid-American Conference) largest margin of victory in a league game this season. In addition, the 49 points were the fewest BSU has allowed in a contest this entire season.
The effort also helped Ball State remain tied atop the MAC standings with both Bowling Green and Toledo who also picked up league wins Wednesday.
The opening minutes of the game appeared to mimic the first meeting between the Cardinals and Broncos (10-16; 5-10 MAC) in Kalamazoo, as the teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter.
Ball State did manage to end the first period with a 21-17 edge over WMU after a defensive rebound and layup from graduate senior Thelma Dis Agustsdottir.
But it was the second quarter that the Cardinals caught on fire, shooting 73.3 percent (11-for-15) from the field to outscore the Broncos 27-10.
The heavy hitters in the second quarter were sophomore Ally Becki and senior Annie Rauch, with both ending the first half with 10 points. Their effort helped the Cardinals take a 48-27 advantage into intermission.
After the break, the Cardinals were nearly unstoppable, extending its lead to 29 (64-35) at the end of the third quarter and eventually winning by 31 (80-49)
With Ball State's hot shooting and stellar defense, Western Michigan had no chance of making a comeback in the second half.
The Cardinals domination also allowed 11th-year head coach Brady Sallee the opportunity to give his bench and newcomers extra playing time. In fact, all 12 members of the Cardinals' roster saw action, with 10 of the 12 scoring at least one basket.
For the game, redshirt senior Anna Clephane led BSU with 14 points while Becki was not far behind with 13. Sophomore Marie Kiefer and Rauch each had 11 apiece.
With only three regular season games remaining, Ball State has already locked up a spot in the 2023 Mid-American Conference Tournament with will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio (March 8-11).
The Ball State women's basketball team will host MAC rival Toledo for its regular season home finale Saturday at 1 pm ET in Worthen Arena. The Cardinals will also pay tribute to seniors Clephane and Agustsdottir prior to the contest.
