The Ball State women’s basketball Cardinals beat Middle Tennessee State last night, 69 to 60, in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.  The Cards applied an up-tempo offense on their Worthen Arena home floor, pushing the ball past MTSU, coupled with a swarming defense, to secure the victory.  The Cards won the game at the foul line, hitting 28 of  37 for 75% shooting.  The Raiders, meanwhile, hit 12 of 18.

Carmen Grande lead Ball State’s balanced  scoring with 16 points. Destiny Washington added 15, Mariah Monaco 14, Jasmine Samz 13 points, and Frannie Frazier 10.

The Cards will have a re-match at home with Purdue in the WNIT second round, Sunday at 2 p.m., in Worthen Arena.  Ball State beat Purdue at West Lafayette on December 4th, 66-60, in regular-season play.

The Boilermakers squeaked by IUPUI last night, 48 to 46.