By: Ball State Athletics
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State University women's basketball team took a break from Mid-American Conference action Friday night as they defeated SIU-Edwardsville 64-40 in Worthen Arena. With the win the Cardinals improved to 8-8 on the season while the Cougars fall to 3-16.
Ball State dominated the entire game, the Cardinals 20 point halftime cushion was too much for the Cougars to overcome in the second period. The closest SIU-Edwardsville would get to the Cardinals was 40-26 with 14:46 remaining in the game.
Junior forward Emily Maggert led all players with 17 points. Maggert's 17-point performance was the 11th straight game she has reached double figures this season. Ball State's entire lineup scored in tonight's contest including a season high nine point performance from junior guard Shannon Klei.
The Cougars turned up the defense at the start of the second half going on a short lived 4-0 run. Ball State answered back quickly with a jumper from Maggert followed by a three pointer from Klei.
Ball State opened the game with a 19-0 scoring spree in the first period. Maggert and Senior forward Danielle Gratton combined for 13 of those 19 points. The Cougars were held scoreless up until the 14:05 mark.
The Cardinals ended the half with a 35-15 edge over SIU-Edwardsville. Maggert led all scorers at half with 12 points. Ball State shot 48.1 percent from the field while holding the Cougars to 18.8 percent.
The Ball State women's basketball team returns to MAC action when it hosts MAC West Divisional leader Toledo Sunday afternoon in a double-header with the Ball State men's basketball team at Worthen Arena. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. while the men will take on Toledo at 1 p.m.
