Behind a 26-point performance from senior Audrey McDonald, Ball State's women's basketball team posted a 66-60 home court win over Northern Illinois Tuesday night.

With the victory, the Cardinals improved to 12-15 overall and 6-8 in the Mid-American Conference, while NIU fell to 10-16 overall and 4-6 in league play.

McDonald's team-leading night featured seven field goals, including six from three-point range.  She tallied 15 first-half points to help Ball State to a 35-27 lead at the break and added 13 second half points, including two free throws in the final six seconds to seal the victory for the Cardinals.

Ball State controlled the second half while leading by as many as 12 (55-43) with 7:59 remaining in the ball game after McDonald hit two from the charity stripe. 

Northern Illinois chipped away at the Cardinals 12-point cushion to come within five (62-57) with 1:29 left to play.  The Huskies trailed by only three (62-59) with 44 seconds on the clock.  But junior forward Emily Maggert was sent to the line with 21.7 seconds left and made both free throws.  The Huskies were then forced to foul McDonald, who is among the nation's free throw percentage leaders.

Senior Danielle Gratton added 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal in the win, while Shannon Klei tallied 11 points and five rebounds.

Emily Maggert added six points and led the Cardinals with nine rebounds.

It started off as a tight knit ball game as both teams traded baskets the majority first half.  The Cardinals led by as many as five (27-22) after McDonald knocked down a three point basket at the 7:08 mark. 

Ball State continued strong shooting from behind the arc as McDonald was a perfect 5-for-5 in the first half.  Klei's trey with 2:44 left on the clock followed by a Maggert layup gave the Cardinals the 35-27 halftime advantage over Northern Illinois.

The Cardinals shot 69.2 percent from three point range in the first period alone, and managed a 52.2 percent mark from three for the game.

Ball State will play at Toledo Saturday in a doubleheader with the Ball State men.  The women play at 4:30, followed by the men's game at 7 p.m.  The Cardinals will complete the regular season with a Tuesday home game vs. Central Michigan on Senior Day with a 7 p.m. tip in Worthen Arena.