Most of the season has featured opponents taking advantage of flaws in the Ball State University women's basketball team. But for one half of basketball Saturday afternoon, Ball State showed their killer instinct and capitalized on the Mid-American Conference West Division champion University of Toledo's mistakes.
The Cardinals could not, however, cash in for the entire game. Toledo would put together a couple second half runs and pulled away for a 62-48 victory.
Ball State coach Kelly Packard was unable to reached for comment on Sunday.
In the first half, Toledo (22-6, 12-3 MAC) looked like the floor mat of the MAC rather than one of its best teams.
Ball State (12-16, 6-9 MAC) held Toledo to 22 first-half points on 38 percent shooting and a 1-for-6 performance from the free-throw line. The Cardinals also forced nine first half turnovers.
The result was a slim 24-22 halftime Ball State lead despite 10 turnovers and a dismal 26 percent shooting performance.
Toledo's inability to convert layups and shots from point-blank range was as shocking as its inability to convert from the line. On multiple occasions, the Rockets missed layups, put backs and short-range jumpers.
Offensive rebounds were the difference, giving the Rockets multiple opportunities to put points on the board. Toledo found its shooting stroke from the free-throw line, going 16-for-19 in the second half to put the game away.
Despite the loss, all was not gloomy for the Cardinals. Ball State has already secured a home game in the first round of the MAC Tournament on Saturday.
Junior forward Emily Maggert, who recorded her 21st career double-double with a game-best 15 points and 13 boards, secured the best rebounding season in Ball State history in Saturday's game. Maggert has 312 boards on the season, passing Jessica Reiter for the best single season in Cardinal history. Maggert did so without wearing the protective mask she wore last week after being elbowed in the face.
Ty'Ronda Benning had 12 points and Audrey McDonald added 11 for the Cardinals.
Melissa Goodall led the Rockets with 13 points.
Ball State returns to action Tuesday night as it plays host to Central Michigan University for Senior Night. McDonald and Danielle Gratton will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
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