Catch the Excitement: Ball State Women’s Basketball Takes on Akron This Saturday and Toledo on MLK Day Live on CBS Sports Network!

Ball State (13-4, 5-0 MAC) vs. Akron (9-8, 3-2 MAC)
Jan. 18, 2025 | Worthen Arena | 11:30 AM ET | Muncie, Ind.

Ball State (13-4, 5-0) vs. Toledo (11-4, 3-2 MAC)
Jan. 20, 2025 | Worthen Arena | 11:00 AM ET | Muncie, Ind. | MLK Day
Broadcast on CBS Sports Network

Game Highlights:

Ball State will face Akron for the 51st time, leading their rivalry series 31-19. The Cardinals have dominated recently, winning 13 of the last 16 matchups. Last season, they swept both games against the Zips.

In their last encounter, Ball State defeated Akron by a whopping 75-41 at Worthen Arena on February 28, 2024.

This Monday, the Cardinals will meet Toledo for the 94th time. Though Toledo leads the all-time series 62-31, Ball State found success last season by winning one of their two encounters.

Over the past four years, Ball State has excelled in away games, boasting a record of 30-10 in MAC contests. In 2021, they achieved their best road record, going 9-1.

Currently, Ball State is on a hot streak, sitting at 5-0 in MAC play, the only undefeated team in the league. They’ve won their last nine regular season MAC games, with their last loss dating back to February 24, 2024, against Toledo.

Congratulations to Ally Becki! She has been recognized nationally, making it to the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watch List. Becki ranks fifth in the nation for triple doubles and 15th in assists, leading the MAC in multiple categories.

NET Rankings: Ball State sits at 54 in the NCAA Division I net rankings, the highest in the Mid-American Conference.

Sallee’s January Performance: Coach Brady Sallee has seen success in January, holding a strong record of 73-29 since 2012.

Home Advantage: At John E. Worthen Arena, Ball State has a solid record of 195-87 since 2004 and a remarkable 129-56 during Sallee’s tenure.

Dominating Inside: The Cardinals have thrived in the paint, winning 10 of 12 games when they outscore opponents inside. They have excelled against teams like Old Dominion and Northern Kentucky.

Creating Turnovers: Ball State’s defense has forced 323 turnovers this season, converting them into 339 points, showing their efficiency on both ends of the court.

First Half Success: The Cardinals have an impressive record of 13-1 when leading at halftime, with their only loss coming against Columbia.

Lachelle Austin Approaching Milestone: Lachelle Austin, a recent transfer, is just 22 points away from reaching 1,000 career points. She has consistently scored in double figures in her games with the Cardinals.

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