Ball State ties in regulation, beats Detroit Mercy in overtime

Shanee’ Jackson came to the free-throw line for a pair of shots with 5.6 seconds remaining in the game and Ball State down two points.

The senior sank the second attempt to ensuring an 8-point comeback with just 1:25 to play to send the game to overtime for the Cardinals.

Ball State beat Detroit in overtime Wednesday night 73-64.

After the game, Jackson said the only thing going through her mind was just “make them so we can win this game.”

In overtime, Ball State held Detroit to just 1-of-8 from the field while the Cardinals made 9-of-12 free throws in the extra period.

Junior point guard Brandy Woody scored six points in overtime. She finished with 17, tying her career high.

Wednesday’s win wasn’t without sacrifices for Ball State. Ten minutes into the first half, junior Katie Murphy fell down at half court, writhing and rolling on the floor, while the rest of her team was playing defense 15 feet away.

Murphy somehow stood up and hobbled over to her assignment on defense. She was in visible pain as she watched Detroit pass the ball around. Murphy reached out and got a hand on the ball, recording a steal before making her way to the sidelines and back to the bench.

“I just know that she couldn’t play,” Sallee said. “I just had to coach the six that could.”

He had a coaching job in front of him later in the game, as Ball State was down eight with 1:25 left.

At that point, the Cardinals went on an 8-0 run to bring the game to overtime.

Freshman Nathalie Fontaine hit a layup and got the and-one. She made the free throw to bring the lead down to five.

Brittany Carter then hit a three-pointer from the right side, her fourth of the game to ignite the crowd and her team.

Carter’s four three-pointers set a new season-high for her and tied her career high in that category.

She shot 50 percent from downtown Wednesday, her best three-point percentage since Nov. 13.

After the game, Carter downplayed her early season troubles.

“I wasn’t discouraged,” she said. “I had a little slump. Not a big deal.”                         

However, Carter’s shooting was a big boost for Ball State against Detroit. She forced the defense to spread out to pay attention to her on the outside, leading to more points for Fontaine and Jackson inside.

“I think clearly you can see the pressure she can put on the defense,” Sallee said of his sophomore guard. “That was big.”

But it was Jackson who’s scoring and hustle helped the Cardinals late in regulation and in overtime.

“This one fighting with everybody to get every ball, she just wasn’t going to be denied,” Sallee said, gesturing to Jackson.

Sallee brought up one play in particular that showcased her effort Wednesday night.