Ball State Women’s Basketball is set to face its first road challenge of the 2024-25 season, as the team heads to Cedar Falls to take on Northern Iowa in a highly anticipated matchup. The game, which will take place on Saturday at 3 pm ET, marks a critical test for both teams, who enter the contest with undefeated records. As the Cardinals look to continue their strong start to the season, this game promises to be an exciting clash between two formidable programs.
History of Ball State vs. Northern Iowa
This game will be the third-ever meeting between the Ball State Cardinals (3-0) and the Northern Iowa Panthers (2-0). Ball State has dominated the series so far, winning both previous encounters, including a 75-64 victory in the most recent matchup on November 18, 2023, at Worthen Arena. Under head coach Brady Sallee, the Cardinals have established themselves as a strong road team, with a 100-71 record over 13 seasons. Last year, they proved their resilience away from home, finishing with an impressive 12-3 road record.
Key Players to Watch
Ally Becki’s Historic Start to the Season
Senior guard Ally Becki has been nothing short of sensational in the early part of the season. Her performance against Memphis was especially memorable, as she became the first Ball State player since 2010 to record a triple-double. Becki’s 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists made history, marking the first triple-double in NCAA Division I women’s basketball this season. Currently, she leads the nation in triple-doubles and ranks in the top 10 nationally for both assists and steals, making her a player to watch in every game.
Elise Stuck’s Career-High Performance
Elise Stuck, a transfer from Michigan, also turned heads with her impressive showing against Memphis, where she scored a career-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Stuck’s offensive prowess adds another dimension to Ball State’s already dynamic roster, making the team an even more dangerous force on the court.
Lachelle Austin Approaching 1,000 Career Points
Lachelle Austin, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, has made an immediate impact on the Ball State roster, consistently scoring in double figures across all three games this season. With 836 career points, she is just 164 points away from reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points. Austin’s scoring ability has been a valuable asset for the Cardinals, and her pursuit of this personal achievement will be something to follow throughout the season.
Ball State’s Impressive National Rankings
Ball State Women’s Basketball has been impressive not just in individual performances but also in their general team statistics. The Cardinals currently rank in the top 50 nationally in several key categories:
- 24th in assists per game (19.7)
- 29th in three-point attempts per game (28.3)
- 33rd in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.34)
- 40th in turnover margin (9.0)
- 46th in both blocks per game (5.3) and turnovers forced per game (23.67)
- 47th in defensive rebounds per game (30.7)
These statistics reflect the team’s efficiency on both offense and defense, as they excel in multiple facets of the game.
Ball State Vs. Northern Iowa Women’s Basketball (image via Getty)Upcoming Tournament: Battle 4 Atlantis
Following this road test, the Cardinals will head to the Bahamas to compete in the prestigious Battle 4 Atlantis tournament from November 23-25. This elite event will feature powerhouse programs like Baylor, Indiana University, North Carolina, and Villanova. Ball State will open the tournament on November 23 at 6:30 pm ET, facing off against a tough opponent. Etruesports will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament, bringing fans the latest updates, analysis, and insights from this exciting competition.
Continued Coverage on Etruesports
Etruesports remains dedicated to delivering up-to-the-minute coverage of Ball State Women’s Basketball. Our team will continue to provide in-depth analyses of games, player interviews, and the latest news surrounding the team’s performance. Stay tuned for more updates on Ball State’s road to success as they aim to make waves in the 2024-25 season.
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