by MUNCIE, Ind. — Looking to build upon its four-game win streak, Ball State women’s basketball hosted Cincinnati Thursday evening at Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals’ undefeated 2025-26 season run continued as Ball State topped the Bearcats 83-63 on the programs First Responders Night.
Here are three notes from the game.
Ball State shined throughout the entire game
It did not take long for Ball State’s (5-0) game plan to find success as the Cardinals jumped to a 5-2 lead, thanks to an early 3-point shot from senior forward Bree Salenbien. After that basket, Ball State didn’t look back in the opening quarter, finishing the first 10 minutes up 17-8.
During that time, Ball State won the rebound battle 14-4 and also had 11 assists. However, while the Cardinals experienced early success, the Bearcats (1-4) encountered the opposite. The visiting team was 4-for-19 (21.1 percent) from the field and was 0-for-2 from deep.
Throughout the rest of the first half, the Cardinals continued to keep a healthy distance from Cincinnati. Ball State ended the first half shooting 14-for-32 (43.8 percent) and was 7-for-14 (50 percent).
Ball State also led the Bearcats in rebounds (23-19), assists (13-5) and committed fewer turnovers (8-10).
The second half continued to be a clinic for the Cardinals as the Bearcats never found enough momentum to make a run. In fact, Ball State never let its lead get below 14 points.
Ball State finished the game with 51 rebounds and 24 assists.
Salenbien torched the Bearcats
Salenbien tied her season-high — and career-high — 20 points in the first half. The former Gonzaga Bulldog got off to a strong start, and after that, she never let up. She shot 7-for-10 in the first half and was 4-for-6 from 3-point range. She also grabbed five rebounds and had an assist in the first half.
During the second half, Salenbien remained a force. She finished the game with a double-double, including a new career high 26 points and 10 rebounds.
It was her third double-double of the season.
CARTER: Thoughts on first five games
Ball State head coach Brady Sallee said that fans should not compare this year’s roster to the 2024-25 Cardinals. However, I think it is safe to say this team can flat-out hoop.
Salenbien put up a great performance in the win, but she has done that all season. She is averaging 13 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Her play, combined with junior guard Karsyn Norman — who had 13 points in the win — has been a great combination for success.
But returning Cardinals like senior center Tessa Towers and sophomore guard Grace Kingery have also played a role in the solid start. Towers recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds while Kingery added 12 in the victory.
I think it is safe to say the program is in good hands, and if they keep this level of play up, this team should be a threat throughout the season.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu, zachcarter039@gmail.com or via X @ZachCarter85.
