MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — Ball State held off a second-half rally to defeat Toledo 72-68 in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Worthen Arena.

The Cardinals used a 21-point second quarter to build a 35-26 halftime lead. The Rockets responded with 20 points in the third quarter to close the gap, but Ball State maintained its composure down the stretch in front of 1,653 fans.

Bree Salenbien led Ball State with 14 points and seven assists. Tessa Towers added 17 points. Kendall Carruthers scored a game-high 19 points for Toledo. Ball State improved to 12-4 overall, while Toledo fell to 6-7.