With an opportunity to secure an important win in its non-conference finale against Marshall, Ball State squandered away a solid first half performance en route to dropping its third straight game to end the 2011 calendar year.
The Cardinals (5-8) found themselves down 9-2 in the opening minutes. After scuffling to put the ball in the basket, the Cardinals' offense sparked a 15-0 run, which resulted in a 28-26 lead at halftime.
It looked as if the Cardinals were well on their way their sixth victory of the season. The offense outscored the opposition while the defense played well enough to maintain the lead.
The Cardinals controlled the flow of the game, particularly in the second half as they crafted a nine-point advantage over the Herd after back-to-back baskets from junior guard Mercedes Miller with 8:12 remaining. But a small misstep enabled the Herd to rally. The visitors proceeded to go on a 10-0 run, resulting in a 51-50 lead with four minutes to go in the game.
The Cardinals knotted the game at 54-54 before the Herd went on a 4-1 run, sealing the game.
Ball State will kick off Mid-American Conference play Thursday as it plays host to Eastern Michigan in a 7 p.m. tip-off inside John E. Worthen Arena.
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