The Ball State women's basketball team had its work cut out for them Sunday afternoon with an offensively-charged Akron team, but couldn't get the job done and lost, 78-70.
The Zips entered the game as the No. 1 scoring offense in the MAC, and it was very clear early on that their scoring was no fluke. Every Akron player on the floor had the ability to score at will.
Akron also led the MAC in field goal percentage, 3-pointers made and assists.
The Cardinals answered them blow for blow, putting up their third-highest scoring total of the season.
However, Coach Kelly Packard would prefer not to win that way.
"We're not a team right now that can score in the 70s and win. We've talked a lot about that. We've got to keep teams to the low 60s, and maybe into the high 50s to win right now," Packard said.
Limited by an ankle injury since Jan. 8, freshman Neschelle Williams returned to the action Sunday afternoon and put up six points and five rebounds. Williams was a key defender late in the game, using all five of her fouls.
"It [returning to play] felt so good. I hate sitting out, so it felt great. I just wish we could've got the win," Williams said.
After fighting back to just a four-point game with 1:46 to go, Williams committed a questionable foul, giving Akron the opportunity to pull away.
The Zips took advantage of that opportunity, ending the game on a 9-5 run.
The Cardinals' opponents won't get any easier going forward as they continue their conference play. Ball State hosts Bowling Green on Wednesday evening. The Falcons are 15-3 and have won eight straight. They are undefeated in the MAC.
For more women's basketball coverage, follow @Matt_D_McKinney on Twitter.
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