HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky.  – Northern Kentucky Norse Women's Basketball faced off against another great mid-major opponent in their non-conference slate, taking on Ball State at Truist Arena on Sunday afternoon. Ball State, ranked 73rd in the NET, marked the third highest-ranked team the Norse have played this season, only trailing Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Despite a solid start, big runs by the Cardinals in the second and third quarters powered Ball State to a 26-point victory, despite a career day from Jaci Jones. 

THE FACTS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 51, Ball State – 77
LOCATION: Truist Arena - Highland Heights, Ky. 
RECORDS: NKU: 2-9 (0-2), BSU 7-4
 
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Jaci Jones led the way offensively for the Norse, pouring in 16 points, half of which came at the free throw line where the grad student shot a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. Jones added three rebounds and three assists to complement her scoring outburst. 
- Kalissa Lacy finished with nine points and five rebounds, including three on the offensive glass. 
- Freshman Kamora Morgan scored eight points and pulled down six rebounds. She also recorded a pair of steals. 
- The Norse shot 14-16 collectively at the line, more than doubling the Cardinals' total of made free throws. 
 
NORSE NOTES
- The Norse and Cardinals battled in the first period, trading runs. The Cardinals quickly answered an early 9-2 run from the Norse with an 11-0 run. NKU then fought back to end the quarter with three quick buckets, making it a two-point game at the first quarter break. 
- Ball State mounted a huge 22-4 run in the first eight minutes of the second quarter, taking a 20-point lead before the Norse fought back within 13 before halftime. 
- The Cardinals were similarly dominant in the third quarter, winning the period by eleven points as the Norse's offensive woes continued. In the second half, NKU shot 24% from the field, as they were struggling to find open shots and forcing ones late in the shot clock. 

NEXT UP
Northern Kentucky Women's Basketball heads west before the upcoming holiday, playing two games in two days as part of the UC San Diego Winter Classic. Northern Kentucky will take on UC San Diego on Thursday at 5 PM ET, then take on La Salle the following day at the same time. 

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