Dec. 13, 2009
Box Score
MUNCIE, Ind. -
Ball State shot 59 percent from the field and scored 21 points off of Illinois State turnovers; two of the big factors that led to the Cardinals' (4-5) 86-80 win over Illinois State (3-3) Sunday afternoon. A big Ball State run to start the second half nullified five Redbird scorers in double-figures.
Both teams combined for 36 turnovers in the game, but it was the Cardinals' ability to convert Redbird turnovers into points that gave them an edge. Ball State scored 21 points off turnovers, as opposed to just seven for the Redbirds.
Senior Maggie Krick tied her season-high for the third time this season with 24 points. Senior Ashleen Bracey (18) and Nicolle Lewis (10), and juniors Hannah Spanich (11) and Emily Hanley (10) rounded out ISU's five double-digit scorers. Bracey and Spanich each grabbed five rebounds as well.
Lewis had a season-high three blocks, giving her sole possession of fourth place on the Valley all-time list and making her just the fourth player in conference history with 200 career blocked shots.
Turnovers kept the game close in the first half, with ISU committing 10 and Ball State committing 11. The Cardinals took better advantage of the ISU miscues, scoring 13 points off turnovers. The Cardinals' ability to score off turnovers and 64 percent shooting percentage allowed them to eliminate deficits of six and five points.
Illinois State shot 52 percent in the first half and made six three-pointers.
Ball State opened the second half with a 20-6 run over the first eight minutes, giving the Cardinals a 10-point lead, 57-47. The Cardinals shot 8-for-12 to start the half and forced seven turnovers. The Redbirds struggled shooting the ball in the second half, starting out the period 5-for-20 from the field.
The Cardinals maintained their double-digit edge until a 7-2 run pulled the Redbirds within five, 81-76, with 1:03 left. The Redbirds closed out the period 8-for-12 from the field, but had just one three-pointer. The Redbirds were forced to foul to maintain as much time as possible, and the Cardinals shot 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the final minute.
Illinois State continues its road swing at UW-Milwaukee Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.
