Ball State University
10-4,2-0MAC
Central Michigan University
4-9,0-2MAC
Women’s Basketball Defeats Central Michigan in MAC Home Opener
January 04, 2025 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State women's basketball team (10-4, 2-0 MAC) managed to come up with a 72-61 victory over Central Michigan (4-9, 0-2 MAC) Saturday afternoon at Worthen Arena.
Both squads got off to a slow start in the opening quarter. With the game tied at 4-4 at the 5:32 mark, Ball State was able to force some CMU turnovers which led to a 12-4 scoring spree that was capped off by a layup from Maliyah "MJ" Johnson to make it a 16-4 ball game at conclusion of the first period.
The second quarter ironically was a bit sloppier than the first. Both teams struggled with their ball control and were plagued by turnovers. The Cardinals were able to stay atop of the Chippewas despite their shooting woes by holding onto a slight 21-17 edge with 5:35 on the clock. Alex Richard came to the rescue for BSU with back-to-back baskets and Ally Becki connected on a long jumper to give the Cardinals the 27-22 advantage over the Chippewas at intermission.
After the break, the inconsistency continued as the Chippewas kept the game a four-point (34-30) contest with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter. Becki drained a 3-pointer right when the Cardinals needed it the most to put BSU back up by six (36-30). The Cardinals outpaced the Chippewas 24-15 to build a 13-point (51-37) advantage to end the third.
Ball State used the third quarter momentum to pull away from Central Michigan for good in the final 10 minutes of action as the Cardinals led by as many as 19 (56-37) with 7:54 left on the clock. The Cardinals controlled the tempo the remainder of the contest despite a few hiccups along the way to seal today's victory.
For the game, Becki led the squad once again with her second-straight 20-point performance. She also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds and dished out five assists. Richard finished the game with 16 points while Lachelle Austin rounded out the double figure scoring with 10.
The Ball State women's basketball team remains home Wednesday when it hosts Eastern Michigan at 6:30 pm ET in Worthen Arena.
Single game tickets are on sale now! Secure your seats for any upcoming game and be part of the excitement at Worthen Arena! Tickets are priced at just $12 for adults and $7 for youth (18 and under). Click HERE to secure your tickets!
