Editor’s note: This story will be updated after interviews with Ball State women's basketball.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — For the first time in 22 seasons, Ball State women’s basketball has earned the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Regular Season Championship. As of now, the Cardinals have at least a share of the title, but a win over Buffalo March 5 will give them the outright championship.
The Cardinals earned their win today over Western Michigan in a low-scoring affair. The first quarter buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read 8-4 in favor of Ball State. One of the lowest scoring quarter totals of the season, and the lowest first quarter overall.
Outside of that slow start, it was all Ball State for the remaining 30 minutes. Ball State led 23-10 heading into the halftime break, and never let Western Michigan get within five points. The lead got as large as 16 around the five minute mark in the third.
Ball State got a win in a stretch where they have been tough to come by. Ball State lost to James Madison Feb. 8 to break a 14-game win streak and then lost two of its next three MAC games before needing overtime to beat Central Michigan.
During this stretch — and most of MAC play — senior Alex Richard has been Ball State’s most consistent player. Averaging 15.2 points per game since Jan. 1, Richard has scored over that points per game average 10 times.
Sallee is in season 13 at Ball State and has become the program’s winningest head coach. He has won 20+ regular season games many times, has broken records, but had not yet won a MAC title. Although the regular season goes the Cardinals' way, they know their bigger goal still looms near in Cleveland in two weeks.
Ball State dominated the boards the entire game, out-rebounding Western Michigan 45-30. When Ball State has been successful and dominant, it is out-rebounding teams and forcing more turnovers than it gives up. Although they excelled on the boards, the Cardinals coughed up 18 turnovers to the Broncos’ 13.
For Ball State to continue this run into the NCAA tournament, look for it to dominate the glass and force turnovers by speeding teams up. When Ball State plays games at its tempo — it is usually a fast one — opponents get off their game and play fast, creating turnovers. Ball State thrives off turnovers and has created separation with points off turnovers.
The outright title can be won in the next contest against Buffalo. Ball State has already beaten the Bulls in a road game Jan. 11. In that contest, the Cardinals got out of the gates quick and limited their mistakes. For a season sweep of Buffalo, Ball State will have to do the same things it did at Alumni Arena in the first win.
Ball State and Buffalo will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. from John E. Worthen Arena March 5 for the outright MAC Regular Season title.
Contact Logan Connor via email at logan.connor@bsu.edu or via X @_loganconnor
Read More
Venting Through Vinyl
By Meghan Braddy / 8 hours agoFrom the first few notes to the last crackle, vinyl has a way of guiding me back to calm.
Ball State tops Lindenwood despite Lions' late effort
By Kyle Stout / 21 hours agoBall State defeated Lindenwood Saturday evening 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 28-26).
Ball State falls to Bowling Green, drops in MAC standings
By Zach Carter / YesterdayBall State is now tied with Bowling Green for eighth place of the Mid-American Conference after falling to the Falcons on the road.
