MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Ball State Cardinals remained undefeated Thursday night, using a dominant first-half performance to overpower the Cincinnati Bearcats 83-63 in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Worthen Arena.

Ball State improved to 5-0, while Cincinnati dropped its fourth game in five outings to start the season.

Bree Salenbien led all scorers with 26 points for the Cardinals, showcasing an efficient all-around game by adding five assists and three blocks. She was one of four Ball State players to score in double figures, joined by Karsyn Norman with 13 points and nine assists, and Aniss Tagayi and Grace Kingery, who each added 12 points. Tagayi also contributed six assists.

Cincinnati was led by Caliyah DeVillasee, who scored 21 points. Reagan Jackson and Kylie Torrence each added 10 points for the Bearcats.

The game was decided early as Ball State established control with a 17-point first quarter, holding Cincinnati to just eight points. The Cardinals extended their lead with a 22-point second quarter, taking a 39-23 advantage into halftime. The Bearcats never recovered from the early deficit, despite matching Ball State’s 20-point output in the fourth quarter.

Ball State’s offense operated with high efficiency, posting an offensive rating of 108.8 by scoring 83 points on 76 possessions. Cincinnati struggled to find a rhythm, managing an offensive rating of just 80.3 with 63 points on 78 possessions.

The Cardinals shot 44 percent from the field and connected on eight three-pointers. They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds. Defensively, Ball State recorded eight steals and five blocks.

Cincinnati shot 35 percent overall and was hampered by poor three-point shooting, making just two of 13 attempts from beyond the arc. The Bearcats committed 13 turnovers.

A crowd of 1,532 watched the Cardinals continue their strong start to the season. Ball State’s next game is at home against Illinois-Chicago on Monday. Cincinnati looks to get back on track when it hosts Canisius on Sunday.