by Toledo Rockets Patricia Anumgba scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help the sixth-seeded women’s basketball team hold off No. 2 seed Ball State Cardinals 69-65 in the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals Friday.
Anumgba shot 11 of 22 from the field and added three 3-pointers as Toledo relied on her scoring throughout the game to secure a spot in the conference championship game.
Ella Waver added 14 points, knocking down two 3-pointers and converting all six of her free-throw attempts. Kendal Carruthers contributed 12 points, five assists, and four steals, helping the Rockets generate offense and pressure defensively.
Toledo shot 39.7% from the field and made 17 of 24 free throws, while also forcing 15 Ball State turnovers.
Ball State was led by Bree Salenbien, who poured in a game-high 34 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Karsyn Norman added 14 points and eight assists, and Tessa Towers pulled down 11 rebounds.
The Cardinals shot 40% from the field and hit seven 3-pointer but struggled to slow Anugba and the Rockets late as Toledo maintained its narrow lead down the stretch.
With the victory, Toledo advances into the MAC Championship game to take on Miami (OH), while Ball State will complete its postseason run.
