Ball State rains 3's on Rockets

1/18/2009

MUNCIE, Ind. - In a battle for first place in the Mid-American Conference's West Division, Toledo suffered a 67-53 setback Saturday in women's basketball against Ball State at Worthen Arena. The loss snapped a five game winning streak for the Rockets (9-8, 3-1 MAC).

UT was limited to 30.8 percent (16-of-52) from the field, including 23.1 percent (3-of-13) from beyond the arc, and 69.2 percent (18-of-26) from the free-throw line to suffer its fifth-straight loss on BSU's home floor.

"This could have been a good win for us, but we let it get away," Toledo coach Tricia Cullop said. "We are a much better team than we showed."

Junior Tanika Mays paced the Rockets with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Allie Clifton (13 points) and sophomore Jessica Williams (10 points) also finished in double figures.

The Cardinals hit 10 3's against the Rockets and shot 43.6 percent (24-of-55) from the floor. Audrey McDonald did a majority of the damage with five 3-pointers and tied Emily Maggert with 17 points each.

BSU hit three 3's in the opening minutes to jump out to a 9-4 lead.

Toledo quickly regrouped to take a 12-11 edge.

The teams stayed within four points of one another for the next nine-plus minutes, before five consecutive points from McDonald gave the home team a 30-23 advantage at 5:21.

Just moments later, Ball State extended its lead to nine, 36-27, on McDonalds' fourth 3-pointer in the first half.

Neither team could find its offensive rhythm to start the second half.

BSU started to heat up as Maggert had a pair of baskets inside, and Shannon Klei hit a 3-pointer to push the margin to 56-42 at 5:59.

The Rockets return to play Wednesday at 7 at home against Central Michigan.