MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a display of overwhelming offensive firepower and defensive discipline, the Ball State Cardinals remained undefeated Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, with a commanding 83-59 victory over the Memphis Tigers in a nonconference women’s basketball game at FedExForum.

The Cardinals seized control of the contest from the opening tip, erupting for 28 points in the first quarter while holding the Tigers to just 13. That 15-point lead after 10 minutes set the tone for the evening, as Ball State’s efficient start proved to be an insurmountable challenge for a struggling Memphis squad. The Cardinals extended their lead to 44-22 by halftime, outscoring the Tigers 16-9 in the second period.

Ball State’s dominance was built on a foundation of superior shooting and a significant advantage from beyond the three-point line. The Cardinals connected on 10 of 26 attempts from long range, a 38.5 percent clip, while Memphis managed only 5 made three-pointers on 19 attempts, shooting 26.3 percent. From the field overall, Ball State shot 40.8 percent on 29-of-71 shooting, compared to a frigid 31.1 percent for Memphis, who finished 23 of 74.

The Cardinals’ offensive execution was led by a standout performance from Grace Kingery. The 5-foot-11 guard from North Ridgeville, Ohio, poured in a game-high 22 points in just 25 minutes of action, showcasing her efficiency and scoring punch. She was instrumental in the first-half barrage that put the game out of reach.

Ball State’s offensive attack was multifaceted. Karsyn Norman provided 14 points and a team-high 5 assists, expertly directing the offense. Aniss Tagayi added 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Tessa Towers, a 6-foot-5 center from Batavia, Illinois, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, also contributing a block. Bree Salenbien facilitated the offense with a game-high 6 assists while pulling down 11 rebounds.

Despite the lopsided score, Memphis did find a spark in the fourth quarter, outscoring Ball State 27-15. The late surge was fueled primarily by Chaé Harris, who came off the bench to lead the Tigers with 18 points, with 13 of those coming in the final period. Cori Allen, a Nashville, Tennessee, native, was the only other Memphis player in double figures, finishing with 14 points and 6 rebounds.

However, the Tigers’ comeback attempt was far too little, far too late, as the damage had been done in the first three quarters. Memphis was hampered by 17 turnovers and an offensive rating of just 68.1, a measure of points scored per 100 possessions. Ball State, by contrast, posted a 93.3 offensive rating, capitalizing on their 89 possessions more effectively.

Defensively, the Cardinals were active, tallying 9 steals and 4 blocks. Memphis actually recorded more steals, with 15, and more assists, with 15, but their inability to convert those opportunities into consistent scoring was the story of the game. Ball State also won the battle on the glass, securing 14 offensive rebounds which led to 13 second-chance points.

The victory improves Ball State’s season record to a perfect 4-0, continuing a strong start that includes wins over Northern Kentucky, IU Indy and Arkansas State. The loss drops Memphis to an even 2-2 on the young season, following a win over South Alabama and a loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

An announced crowd of 741 at FedExForum watched as the Cardinals methodically dismantled the Tigers, never trailing after the opening basket. Ball State’s next test comes at home against Cincinnati on Thursday, Nov. 20. Memphis will look to rebound quickly when they host Mississippi on Tuesday, Nov. 18.