Ball State's backcourt must have looked as if it was on amphetamines during the Cardinals 99-55 women's basketball win over Akron Tuesday - mostly because Shala Crook, Johna Goff and Julie Just ran circles around the Zips throughout the game.
Akron's inability to contain Crook, Goff and reserve Just put a fatal snag in the Zips' game plan, leading to a 44-point Ball State victory filled with Akron shots that never struck iron and passes that missed their mark entirely.
The Cards held Akron to just over 29 percent shooting from the field and caused 30 turnovers - mostly due to constant pressure from any one of Ball State's guards.
On the defensive end, Akron offered little resistance to the trio's play as the three combined for 39 points, 16 assists and eight steals.
"I really feel like Shala came out like a gangbuster in the first half," head coach Tracy Roller said. "When Julie came off the bench she really went right at them aggressively and really took Akron out of their game."
Ball State buried the Zips early, holding the team scoreless for a period of more than five minutes early in the first half. The 5:23 run was characterized by Akron's inability the capitalize on open looks, connect on passes to the low post - mostly due to pressure from Crook and Goff, who scored a combined eight of the team's 14 points during the span.
Crook scored 14 points in nine minutes of play during the first half. Goff tallied five points and three steals. The two played aggressively against Akron's three-guard set - forcing several erratic passes and errant shots - while combining for four steals in the first half and six overall.
While starters Crook or Goff rested on the bench, reserve Just sparked the Cardinals - keeping them from flattening out after gaining a 32-point lead at halftime. The guard finished with 10 points, two steals and two assists in 19 minutes.
"I was looking to come off the bench and provide a spark ... get a good pass or drive on the floor - anything to help," Just said.
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