Box Score
MUNCIE, Ind.- Western Michigan (7-20, 3-11 MAC) was knocked off by West Division leader Ball State, 80-61, Saturday at Worthern Arena.
The Broncos kept pace with the Cardinals for the first 20 minutes, trailing 32-31 at halftime, but couldn't hang with the two-time defending division champion down the stretch. Ball State was effective once again from long range, burying 11 three-pointers, Kiley Jarrett and Audrey McDonald hitting three each. The Cardinals have made 10 or more three pointers in each of the last three meetings against WMU.
The 19 point loss was the largest margin of defeat for the Broncos this season, a team that has been edged in several close contests. Six of Western Michigan's 11 conference losses have been by six points or less, two of which were in overtime.
Sophomore Brenna Banktson led four Broncos in double digits, scoring 14 points, 10 of those coming in the first half. Freshman Miame Giden recorded her third double-double of the season, dropping in 11 points and tying a career high with 11 rebounds. Juniors Jenny Loney and Sara Vest also finished with 11.
Senior Tiera DeLaHoussaye grabbed six rebounds to pull her within four of 500 career. She is looking to become the first ever Mid-American Conference player to amass over 1,000 points, 600 assists, 500 rebounds and 300 steals. The Broncos have two regular season and at least once MAC Tournament game left for DeLaHoussaye to reach the mark.
Western Michigan shot 39.3 percent for the game and was 81.8 percent from the free throw line (9-for-11). Ball State connected on 48.3 percent of its attempts and shot a blazing 57.9 percent (11-for-19) from behind the arc. The Cardinals extended their win streak to six games and improved their record to 20-8 overall, 12-2 in the MAC.
Danielle Gratton paced four Cardinals in double figures, tallying a game-high 18. Porchia Green had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
For just the third time against a conference opponent, but second game in a row, Western Michigan lost the battle on the boards. Ball State pulled down 37 to WMU's 33.
Western Michigan will look to regroup against Eastern Michigan Wednesday, March 3, playing the Eagles in Ypsilanti at 7 p.m. Western Michigan's lone win over a West division opponent this season was over EMU on Jan. 21, 76-67. The Broncos then wrap-up the regular season Saturday, March 7, hosting Northern Illinois on Senior Day. Western Michigan will recognize the careers of DeLaHoussaye, Michelle DeNooyer, Arianne Wilson and student manager Chelsea Frantz.
