Box Score
MUNCIE, Ind.- The Broncos got down by 10 in the first half and couldn't make up ground in the second, falling to defending Mid-American Conference champion Ball State, 70-55, on the road. All 16 MAC teams kicked off league play Wednesday.
Ball State opened the game with a 9-4 lead and the Broncos fought back with a 9-0 run to take a four-point advantage at the 10:50 mark. The game was played fairly even over the next five minutes, but Ball State heated up before the half. After trailing by one, 17-16, the Cardinals went on a 17-6 run in the final 5:52 to lead 33-23 at the break. Western Michigan had a balanced attack in the first half as seven different Broncos scored but no one player scored more than four points.
Western Michigan got the deficit down to five twice in the second half, even forcing Ball State to call a time out to disrupt the Bronco momentum. Down 10, 63-53, with 1:39 to go, Western Michigan began playing the fouling game and BSU sealed the win at the line.
Ball State has had the Broncos' number in recent years. Western Michigan hasn't won in Muncie since Jan. 12, 2005. That win was in overtime, 77-75.
Sophomore Miame Giden paced the Brown & Gold with 14 points. Junior Ebony Cleary was a rebound shy of a double-double, registering 11 points and nine boards. Freshman DeAirra Goss chipped in eight points.
Western Michigan shot 41.4 percent for the game while Ball State hit a 47.3 clip. Western Michigan committed five more turnovers, 17-12.
Four players reached double digits for the Cardinals led by freshman Ty'Ronda Benning's 19 points. She entered the game averaging just over eight per contest. Ball State improved to 6-7 on the season, 1-0 in the MAC.
Western Michigan (5-9, 0-1 MAC) returns to Kalamazoo to host in state rival Eastern Michigan Saturday at 2 p.m. The Eagles (11-2, 1-0 MAC) won at home against Central Michigan in their opener, 73-55. Saturday's game will be part of doubleheader action as the Bronco men follow the women's game. Fans have an opportunity to purchase Bronco worn practice and game gear and other attire as the WMU Athletic Department holds its bi-annual garage sale. Doors open for the garage sale at 1 p.m.
