UMass Women’s Basketball Face Off Against Ball State
The University of Massachusetts women’s basketball team, with a strong record of 13 wins and 3 losses, heads to Muncie, Indiana, to take on Ball State, which stands at 14-4. The game is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Worthen Arena and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
A Closer Look at the Matchup
This is the second time these two teams have met, with Ball State holding a 1-0 lead from their previous game back in 2015. That day, UMass struggled against a hot shooting Cardinals team and lost 81-54 despite Alyx Stiff’s impressive performance.
Recent Performance
Last Saturday, UMass secured a 79-67 victory over Buffalo. The team jumped out to an early lead thanks to a 12-0 run. Senior forward Megan Olbrys played a key role, scoring 19 points and grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds. Other standout performances came from Ayanna Franks with 18 points and Yahmani McKayle, who added 17 points and seven assists.
New Talent on the Roster
The Minutewomen have six new players this season, including four freshmen. Anya George, Eva Hannon, Aiyanna Perkins, and Brooke Pulpi are among those joining the team. Rhode Island transfer Ayanna Franks is also looking to make an impact after averaging 3.1 points last season.
Star Player Spotlight: Megan Olbrys
Megan Olbrys is on the rise, having led UMass last season in scoring and rebounding. She averaged 14.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while earning recognition on the A-10 Third Team All-Conference list. Olbrys was also named to the watchlist for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award.
Team Stats to Note
UMass is currently averaging 20.5 assists per game, ranking second in the MAC and 17th nationally. They also boast impressive defensive stats, including a .262 three-point percentage defense and a strong rebounding average of 43.50 per game.
Coaching Legacy
Head Coach Mike Leflar is in his third season with the Minutewomen. He has been crucial in building UMass’s success, leading the team to its first regular-season Atlantic 10 championship last season. Under his guidance, players like Sam Breen, a highly decorated athlete, flourished.
What’s Next?
After the game against Ball State, UMass will return home to face Bowling Green on Sunday, January 25.
For more updates and live scores, check out UMass Athletics. Keep an eye on the Minutewomen as they continue their season!
