Ball State University
15-2,5-0MAC
Central Michigan University
2-12,1-4MAC
Becki's Career High Leads WBB in 32-Point Win at CMU
January 17, 2024 | Women's Basketball
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - It was a tightly contested first half, but junior Ally Becki took it upon herself scoring a career best 36 points to help the Cardinals move past the Chippewas 79-47 Wednesday afternoon in McGuirk Arena.
With the win, Ball State improved to 15-2 overall and remained undefeated (5-0) in Mid-American Conference action while also extending its win streak to nine. Central Michigan fell to 2-11 on the year and 1-4 in conference action. The Cardinals are also only one of four teams in the NCAA DI that has a nine-game win streak.
Ball State's 5-0 MAC start is the first for Ball State 12th-year head coach Brady Sallee. The last time the Cardinals began league play 5-0 was the 2002-03 season.
Becki's 36-points ties her for fifth all-time for most points scored in a game. She also went 10-11 from the field and 7-8 from 3-point range. The seven three pointers are also tied for sixth all-time in program history. Becki also went 9-10 from the charity stripe. Alex Richard was the only other player to reach double figures for the Cardinals today with 12.
In the second half, Becki was unstoppable scoring 19 points after intermission. Ball State's second half defense also played tribute to its victory today as the Cardinals held the Chippewas to only five field goals in the second 20 minutes of action.
Both teams traded baskets in the first quarter of play with the seesaw match ending with an off the dribble 3-pointer from Becki to give Ball State the 16-13 lead over the Chippewas.
Marie Kiefer then opened the second frame with one from behind the arc to give BSU a five-point cushion. But some unforeseen turnovers by the Cardinals, along with the Chippewas' fast paced defense, caused Ball State to lose its lead at the 4:27 mark (21-20). But so far this league season the Cardinals seem to always find their way back on top after going 8-for-8 from the charity stripe which included six free throws from Becki. Richard ended the half with two free throws and a layup to give BSU the slight 35-31 edge over CMU at intermission.
The Ball State women's basketball team returns home Sunday in showdown of MAC leaders against Toledo at 6 p.m. for a nationally broadcast battle on the CBS Sports Network.
