While the night didn't turn out to be very kind to junior forward Emily Maggert, the night did belong to her.
For the eighth time this season, Maggert registered a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Maggert needed only four points to secure her spot in Ball State University history. She did so midway through the first half, becoming the 21st player in Cardinals history to record 1,000 points in a career. Maggert joined teammate Audrey McDonald in the 1,000-point club. The senior guard reached the milestone earlier this season.
"Emily is a very gifted player around the rim," coach Kelly Packard said. "You look up at the end of the night and wonder how she ends up with 26, 23, 22 points and on such a consistent basis. She had seven offensive rebounds tonight and several putbacks. That's what she can do for us, but Emily also can stretch her shot out to the 3-point range."
The fact that Maggert was just four points shy of etching her name into the Ball State record books was not lost on her. Packard had made sure of that.
"Coach Packard mentioned earlier today and a couple days ago that I was four points away," Maggert said. "I was relieved I didn't have to worry about it anymore after scoring it. I do want to thank my teammates for making it easy for me to score and getting me the ball so I can score."
Maggert averages over 18 points and 11 rebounds a game this year. She also established a new career high over the winter break with 26 points.
Maggert's work ethic has also been a large reason that she has been able to contribute as much as she has to the Ball State program. It took less than three full years for the junior to notch 1,000 career points.
"Anything we do offensively, on the block area is going to be a quick set for Emily," Packard said. "That's what we like to do when we're struggling. She's one of our go-to people. She has a good vision to see how she's defended and see where her shooters are to kick out. She doesn't give up in the post. It's her work ethic and desire to demand the ball inside that makes her such a force."
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