Win or lose, the Cardinals had already punched their ticket to Cleveland for next week’s Mid-American Conference tournament. The game for Western Michigan (17-12, 10-8 MAC), on the other hand, decided if it would be playing Monday. It took an extra five minutes for Ball State to take down the Broncos 64-63.
The Cardinals decided this year their identity is being the winning team — no matter who scores on a regular basis or how the work gets done, as long as they come out on top.
One constant that has been surrounding the Cardinals this season is playing from start to finish. Playing in close games has been consistent throughout the entire season. Wednesday’s conference tilt against Toledo (11-15, 6-9 MAC) proved to be no different. Ball State Women’s Basketball (19-8, 11-4 MAC) defeated the Rockets 66-60 in a physical game from start to finish.
Close margins of victory have been the theme for Ball State Women’s Basketball this season. On Saturday it saw yet another game decided by 10 points or fewer. This time, it was Eastern Michigan that was able to take the slight edge over the Cardinals 61-58. Here are four takeaways from the Cardinals’ first loss in February.
Ball State only won three conference games all season last year, but this season they have already tripled that and are looking to do more. This year, Ball State has now beaten eight opponents that they fell to last season.
The defense has been the story for the Cardinals this season, and Saturday was no different. The second matchup against the Bulls proved to be quite similar to the first one. The defense was a great point of emphasis for Ball State, and it executed like it has all year and came out on top.
After going 34 days since its last road victory, Ball State was hungry for a win away from Muncie. It took an all-around team effort to take down Toledo, and that is exactly what the Cardinals did.
Finding a rhythm on offense was not the Cardinals’ forte Saturday, but their defensive effort made up for their offensive struggles. Ball State Women’s Basketball turned to a physical defensive presence to overcome an early deficit and defeat Akron 60-52.
Setting the tone on defense was something that, when executed well, the Cardinals have been successful with. In their tilt against the Golden Flashes, Ball State was able to hold them to fewer than 55 points.
Wednesday's tilt favored Kent State in the final 30 seconds. Here are three takeaways from Ball State Women’s Basketball’s 69-68 defeat at Kent State.
