Final Stats
MUNCIE, IN - In a battle for first place in the Mid-American Conference's West Division Saturday night, Ball State outlasted Toledo, 68-61, before a school-record crowd of 4,030 in Worthen Arena. With the setback, the Rockets (12-8, 7-2 MAC) had their eight-game winning streak snapped and now fall into a two-way tie for second place with Western Michigan.
"Tonight was a battle of two good teams," Toledo Head Coach Mark Ehlen said. "Ball State played better than us in the second half and came away with the win."
After the two teams struggled to a 28-28 tie at the intermission, the Cardinals started to heat up from long range as they buried three consecutive treys in the first five minutes of the second stanza. Toledo, though, answered behind the strong play of senior Melantha Herron to once again knot the contest at 41-41 with 13:28 left to play.
On the ensuing play, BSU's Kate Endress was fouled on a three-point shot by junior Tia Davis and promptly nailed all three free throws to put BSU ahead 44-41 for good. The play sparked an eventual 14-2 BSU run that put the Cardinals ahead by 12 points with eight minutes to play. Toledo closed to within seven twice, but clutch free throwing shooting by Ball State down the stretch sealed the victory for the home team.
"I was pretty disappointed in our effort in the second half," Ehlen said. "I thought we showed a lack of poise and our execution on offense was just not there. We have a veteran team. I thought when we got down by just a little in the second half, we tried too hard."
Herron paced Toledo with 17 points and eight rebounds. Davis scored 14 and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior Courtney Risinger scored nine points and junior Teresa Kahle collected seven rebounds.
Tonight's game featured 12 lead changes and six ties.
Reigning MAC Player of the Year Tamara Bowie led Ball State with 16 points and six rebounds, while Endress poured in 15 points. Shala Crook added 14 points, four assists and five steals, while Jessica Reiter recorded 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cardinals.
"Ball State is a good team with a good defense," Ehlen said. "I just didn't think we played very well tonight. Ball State is a veteran team. Don't sell them short, they are a talented team."
Toledo shot 45.8 percent (27-of-59) from the field to Ball State's 35.4 percent (23-of-65). At the line, the Cardinals made 13-of-14 to the Rockets' 6-of-13. Ball State had a decisive 46-32 edge in rebounds.
Toledo will return to home on Tuesday, Feb. 2, as the Rockets will battle Miami. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m in Savage Hall. All Toledo women's games can be heard on 88.3 FM or on the internet at www.utrockets.com.
