A season high shooting performance in which the women's basketball team hit 50 percent of its shots gave them a 67-51 victory over Akron on Saturday.
In its previous two games, both of which were losses, the team was not able to shoot over 30 percent. Head coach Tracy Roller felt that was happening because of fatigue and decided to give her team two days off this past week. It paid off.
"I think the gamble worked," Roller said. "I think it was much needed. The team really handled the time off well."
The Cardinals were a lights out 9 of 14, including four of four from behind the arc, in the first nine minutes of the game, helping them jump out to a 22-9 advantage.
By halftime Ball State had a 17-point advantage and a 3-pointer by sophomore Tina Bolte to start the second half gave them a 20 point advantage they would get two more times before ending the game with a 16 point advantage.
"It was definitely the most complete game we've had all year," Roller said. "It's coming at the right time to."
From behind the arc the Cardinals had their second best effort of the season. They hit 10 of 20 3-pointers. The only time that total was higher was against Toledo when they went 11 for 27. Three Cardinals each hit three treys; Kate Endress, Krista Stewart and Bolte.
Bolte led all scorers with 17 points, just two points off of her career high. Endress, who leads the conference in scoring was held to 13 points. Freshman Julie DeMuth led the team in rebounding with 12.
Ball State got production from nearly everyone on it's roster. Of the eight players that saw minutes, Krista Stewart had the lowest total with 15. Freshman Lisa Rusche and Brandy Ross were the only two players that didn't see time.
"It was really neat to see," Roller said. "Although Kate is definitely our go to player, it's becoming a lot more then the Kate Endress show, that's for sure."
Jessie Crooks was the only Akron player to score in double figures, she finished with 13. The Zips were held to just 30 percent shooting on the night.
With the win the Cardinals are now guaranteed a first round home game in the Mid-American Conference tournament, but could still be one of three teams to get a first round bye. Ball State and Toledo are now tied for third place in the MAC west division, something that will be settled this week when Toledo comes to town on Wednesday.
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