Photo by: Amber Pietz, Ball State Creative Services
WBB Reaches 20-win mark while Remaining Undefeated in #MACtion with Win at EMU
February 15, 2025 | Women's Basketball
With the win, the Cardinals earned their spot in the 2025 MAC Tournament in Cleveland
YPSILANTI, Mich. - For the eighth time under 13th-year head coach Brady Sallee and the third season in a row, the Cardinals have reached the 20-win plateau after Ball State's 74-69 defeat at Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon in the Gervin GameAbove Center.
Sallee's 20-win seasons at Ball State were — 22-10 (2015-16), 21-11 (2016-17) 25-7 (2017-18), 21-10 (2019-20), 20-13 (2021-22), 26-9 (2022-23), 20-2 (2023-24) and 20-5 (2024-25).
With the win, the Cardinals improved to 20-5 on the season and 12-0 in Mid-American Conference play which continues to be a program record in league action for BSU. The 12-0 ledger also marks the best MAC start by a league member since the 2017-18 season when CMU did it. The Eagles fall to 1- 22 and 0-12 in the MAC.
Despite trailing the Eagles 19-12 after the first 10 minutes of play. The Cardinals were able to slowly but surely make their way back into the ball game. Ball State and Eastern Michigan traded baskets in the second stanza which ended in a tied contest 32-32 at intermission.
After the break, Ball State and Eastern Michigan went toe-to-toe in the third quarter with neither team trailing by too much. The Cardinals finished the third period atop of the Eagles, 49-47.
Ball State opened the fourth stanza with an 11-2 run which was capped off by a steal from Ally Becki and a fast break layup from Lachelle Austin that put BSU up by 11 (60-49) at the 7:56 mark. The Cardinals still led by 10 (62-52) at the media timeout. In the last five minutes, EMU stayed within reach, but Ball State was able to get to the free throw line which ultimately sealed BSU's victory.
For the game, Becki led all players with a 20-point performance after shooting 6-of-8 from the field and going a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. Behind Becki was Alex Richard with 18 points and nine rebounds while Madelyn Bischoff ended the day with 16 points.
The Ball State women's basketball team continues Mid-American Conference action Wednesday at Toledo. Tip-off is set for 7 pm ET in John F. Savage Arena.
Sallee's 20-win seasons at Ball State were — 22-10 (2015-16), 21-11 (2016-17) 25-7 (2017-18), 21-10 (2019-20), 20-13 (2021-22), 26-9 (2022-23), 20-2 (2023-24) and 20-5 (2024-25).
With the win, the Cardinals improved to 20-5 on the season and 12-0 in Mid-American Conference play which continues to be a program record in league action for BSU. The 12-0 ledger also marks the best MAC start by a league member since the 2017-18 season when CMU did it. The Eagles fall to 1- 22 and 0-12 in the MAC.
Despite trailing the Eagles 19-12 after the first 10 minutes of play. The Cardinals were able to slowly but surely make their way back into the ball game. Ball State and Eastern Michigan traded baskets in the second stanza which ended in a tied contest 32-32 at intermission.
After the break, Ball State and Eastern Michigan went toe-to-toe in the third quarter with neither team trailing by too much. The Cardinals finished the third period atop of the Eagles, 49-47.
Ball State opened the fourth stanza with an 11-2 run which was capped off by a steal from Ally Becki and a fast break layup from Lachelle Austin that put BSU up by 11 (60-49) at the 7:56 mark. The Cardinals still led by 10 (62-52) at the media timeout. In the last five minutes, EMU stayed within reach, but Ball State was able to get to the free throw line which ultimately sealed BSU's victory.
For the game, Becki led all players with a 20-point performance after shooting 6-of-8 from the field and going a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. Behind Becki was Alex Richard with 18 points and nine rebounds while Madelyn Bischoff ended the day with 16 points.
The Ball State women's basketball team continues Mid-American Conference action Wednesday at Toledo. Tip-off is set for 7 pm ET in John F. Savage Arena.
Team Stats
BSU
EMU
FG%
.471
.356
3FG%
.300
.280
FT%
.833
.870
RB
38
33
TO
15
10
STL
5
8
Game Leaders
Scoring
Players Mentioned
Ball State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell discusses the NCAA vs. House Settlement
Tuesday, July 01
Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell discusses NCAA vs. House Settlement & Bill Richards Thank You
Friday, June 27
Worthen Arena // Floor Update Timelapse
Wednesday, June 04
Athletics // Weekly Podcast: Jeff Mitchell, Mandy Williams, Marie Kiefer, and Scott Baker
Wednesday, April 02