by Ball State used a strong second half to pull away from Bowling Green for a 76-63 victory Wednesday in the Mid-American Conference women’s basketball tournament quarterfinals at Rocket Arena.
Bowling Green kept the game close through the first half, but the Cardinals took control after the break and held the Falcons to 36.6% shooting from the field to secure the win.
Ball State used strong perimeter shooting and ball movement to pull away in the second half. The Cardinals 42.2% from the field and made 11 of 22 3-point attempts (50%) while recording 22 assists on 27 made baskets.
The Cardinals’ Grace Kingery led all scorers, shooting 9 of 17 from the field and knocking down five 3-pointers in 37 minutes. Also, Bree Salenbien finished 6 of 9 from the floor, adding three assists, two blocks, and a game-high 10 rebounds. Anidd Tagayi contributed eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Tessa Towers added seven points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Alba Caballero chipped in six points and six rebounds off the bench.
Bowling Green (18-13) struggled to find offensive consistency, shooting 36.6% from the field and just 3-16 from beyond the arc when it comes to being able to win.
Pagie Kohler led the Falcons with 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting in 37 minutes. Kaia Woods and Lauren Gerken each scored 13 points, with Gerken adding two blocks. Johnea Donahue contributed seven points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and three steals, while Jasmine Fearne added five points and three rebounds.
Bowling Green grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and finished with 39 total boards, but Ball State held a 46-39 advantage overall when it comes to the glass. The Falcons also forced 10 steals but committed 14 turnovers.
Ball State will advance to the MAC tournament semifinals, while Bowling Green’s run in the conference tournament comes to an end.
