“New Year’s Day Triumph: Women’s Basketball Kicks Off MAC Play with a Victory at Miami!”

OXFORD, Ohio – The Ball State women’s basketball squad (9-4, 1-0 MAC) commenced the New Year on a positive note after achieving a 68-55 triumph over Miami University (7-4, 0-1 MAC) in its Mid-American Conference debut Wednesday afternoon at Millett Hall. 

It was a collective effort today for the Cardinals, with Ally Becki spearheading the scoring with 22 points. Becki also secured nine rebounds and provided seven assists. Grace Kingery contributed 18 points, with five successful 3-pointers. On the defensive end, Elise Stuck registered a personal best of 10 rebounds. 

Throughout the game, the Cardinals’ defense continued to pose challenges for their opponents this season as Ball State capitalized on Miami’s 24 turnovers to score 31 points. 

Ball State faced offensive difficulties at the beginning of today’s matchup. The RedHawks initiated the game with a 7-0 surge. The Cardinals then responded with a late 13-3 run of their own, concluding the first quarter with a 13-10 lead over Miami as they moved into the second frame. 

The Cardinals maintained control of the game’s rhythm in the second quarter, ultimately extending their lead to 13 points (32-24) with 5:50 left in the first half. Miami mounted a brief comeback that narrowed BSU’s lead to five (26-21). Kingery’s 3-pointer at the 3:20 mark halted Miami’s momentum. The Cardinals successfully ended the half with a 32-26 lead over the RedHawks. 

Stuck started the third quarter with a layup, keeping the Cardinals ahead. Ball State increased its advantage back to 11 points (44-33) as Kingery sank another three-pointer with 5:11 remaining in the third period. Ball State’s defense tightened, enabling the Cardinals to take a 50-41 lead over the RedHawks into the final quarter.

Miami attempted to overcome the preseason favored Cardinals in the concluding 10 minutes of play. The RedHawks came within four to five points on several occasions, but Ball State managed to persevere and secure the victory today. 

The Ball State women’s basketball team will return to their home court on Saturday as the Cardinals take on the Central Michigan Chippewas at 1 pm ET in Worthen Arena.