MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — Ball State held off a late Eastern Michigan rally for a 78-74 victory in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Worthen Arena.

The Cardinals built a 64-57 lead after three quarters behind 21 points each from Grace Kingery and Tessa Towers. The Eagles, led by Sisi Eleko’s 20 points and Fernanda Ovalle’s 22 points, closed to within one point in the final minutes but could not complete the comeback. Ball State secured the win at the free-throw line, making 15 of 22 attempts.

Ball State improved to 9-4 overall. Eastern Michigan dropped to 6-5. An announced crowd of 3,503 attended.