The last game senior Shala Crook played at Ball State she gained a future husband. Wednesday night against Louisville in the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, she played the best game her in career, scoring 30 points, handing out 10 assists and grabbing 5 steals as Ball State (24-7) posted a 95-84 victory over Louisville (17-13).
"I love it here," Crook said. "Not being in the NCAA Tournament was a disappointment and we kind of used that to 'fuel the fire.' I just went out there and had a lot of fun."
It was Crook's defense on Louisville's point guard, sophomore Sara Nord, that turned the game in Ball State's favor as she continually picked off passes for fast break opportunities for Ball State, as the team ended with game with 13 steals and forced 21 turnovers.
"But Ball State not only controlled the offensive end, but the defensive as well," Louisville head coach Martin Clapp said. "Shala Crook is probably the best point guard we've seen all season and she really controlled the defensive end."
Crook and junior Tamara Bowie combined for 54 of Ball State 95 points as Crook continually found Bowie along the baseline where Bowie did what she does best +â-¦ make hard shot shot look easy.
"Shala and Tamara have been doing this for a long time together," Ball State head coach Tracy Roller said. "They know each other's footsteps more than they know themselves."
The larger, more physical Louisville post player had troubles guarding Bowie in the post as she repeatedly found creases she could slip through to put shots up.
"I heard their coach say to force me to my left," Bowie said. "So I took them left and found a spot along the baseline."
But even as Ball State controlled the tempo of the game, scrappy play by Louisville kept them within striking distance of the quicker Ball State team. In the first half, Louisville found openings in Ball State's transition defense, as Ball State had trouble recovering from Louisville's fast-paced tempo.
"We were sending two back to cover, but (Louisville) was sending three," Ball State head coach Tracy Roller said. "We hadn't dealt with anyone who did that all year, and we had a little talk at halftime to get everyone adjusted."
With Valparaiso's 62-49 victory over Michigan, Ball State will play host to the Crusaders in the second round Saturday night at 7.
"Talent-wise, (Ball State's) as good as anyone in the NIT," Louisville head coach Martin Clapp said. "And they're better than some in the NCAA Tournament."
Roller compared the Valparaiso team to the Kent State team that has defeated Ball State twice this season, including a 73-59 loss in the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game as Ball State has re-written the women's basketball record books at Ball State with 24 wins.
"I may have to retire after this year," Roller said. "It's just been a dream season...we just don't want it to end. But it's not over. I just hope we handle this Kent better than we did the last one."
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