In consecutive games, Ball State struggled to start the game in rhythm with early points.
This time, the Cardinals paid for it.
Ball State gave up the first 10 points of Wednesday's game against Missouri, eventually losing 56-45 at Worthen Arena.
"The glaring thing that jumps off the page is shooting percentage," coach Kelly Packard said. "We've struggled in practice to hit open looks. Not just from the outside, even clean looks in the paint."
In the game's first 10 minutes, the Cardinals made just two field goals and shot 28 percent from the field.
Ball State had an opportunity to go into the locker room at halftime trailing 25-22, but Ty'Ronda Benning's 3-pointer at the buzzer was waved off.
Benning came alive for the Cardinals in the second half, scoring 11 of her 17 points and making three 3-pointers.
"I'm playing with more confidence, more relaxed," Benning said. "I let the game come to me more, and as a result I'm playing a lot better."
Ball State was able to cut Missouri's lead to five or fewer twice in the second half, but the Tigers responded each time with a 3-pointer.
Missouri forwards Christine Flores and Shakara Jones combined for 23 points and 17 rebounds, which showed the Tigers' advantage in the frontcourt over senior Emily Maggert and junior Suzanne Grossnickle.
"The size of their bigs really bothered us tonight," Packard said.
Maggert finished with eight points and four rebounds. Grossnickle had five points and two rebounds.
The Cardinals took better care of the ball for the second consecutive game, committing only 12 turnovers.
In their second nonconference game against a major program, Packard said she was disappointed the Cardinals didn't earn a signature win.
"I want some of those victories they are going to really remember," Packard said. "Sometimes it is the name [on the front of the jersey]. Sometimes it is the Indiana and the Missouri. It's the name."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
