BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Ball State Cardinals, one of the Mid-American Conference’s top teams, delivered a methodical and dominant wire-to-wire performance Wednesday night, cruising to an 88-55 victory over the struggling Buffalo Bulls at Alumni Arena.

From the opening tip, Ball State imposed its will, particularly in the paint, where it outscored Buffalo 46-28. The Cardinals never trailed, establishing a 20-11 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 41-27 by halftime. The advantage ballooned to 65-42 after three quarters, allowing Ball State to comfortably manage the final period.

The most important part of the game was Ball State’s immediate and overwhelming defensive pressure in the first quarter, which set a decisive tone. The Cardinals forced five Buffalo turnovers in the opening 10 minutes, converting them into early transition opportunities that fueled a 9-0 run. A steal by Bree Salenbien led to her own layup just 39 seconds into the game, and Ball State’s active hands and interior defense, including a block from Salenbien, stifled Buffalo’s offense. This early surge created a double-digit lead that Buffalo, which shot poorly from the floor, never seriously challenged.

Salenbien, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Adrian, Michigan, led all scorers with 18 points in just 29 minutes, adding four assists and a block. She was one of five Cardinals to reach double figures, highlighting the team’s balanced attack. Forward Aniss Tagayi of Montpellier, France, contributed 12 points and two blocks, while center Tessa Towers of Batavia, Illinois, added 14 points. Guard Grace Kingery of North Ridgeville, Ohio, scored 15 points, and reserve guard Giorgia Gorini of Genoa, Italy, provided a spark off the bench with seven points and three assists.

Buffalo, which fell to 2-23 overall, was led by guard Aniya Rowe of Geneva, New York, who scored 18 points and dished out six assists. Guard Ella Corry of Clarence Center, New York, added 16 points. But the Bulls committed 18 turnovers and were unable to match Ball State’s efficiency or depth.

The Cardinals, who entered the game with a 96 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, improved to 22-5 overall and solidified their position near the top of the MAC standings. They have now won eight of their last nine games. Buffalo has lost 10 consecutive games since its last victory on Jan. 3.

A crowd of 1,099 watched as Ball State swept the season series, having defeated Buffalo 103-61 in Muncie, Indiana, on Jan. 14. The Cardinals shot efficiently from the field and capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 20 points off turnovers.

Ball State will look to continue its strong form on the road at Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. Buffalo will try to snap its lengthy skid the same day at Eastern Michigan.