MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Ball State Cardinals remained undefeated Wednesday night, using a dominant first half to cruise past the Northern Kentucky Norse 95-64 in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Worthen Arena.

Ball State improved to 3-0 on the young season, while Northern Kentucky dropped its third straight contest to open the year.

The Cardinals seized control from the opening tip, erupting for 28 points in the first quarter while holding the Norse to just 13. The offensive onslaught continued in the second period as Ball State built a commanding 51-23 lead by halftime. The Norse found more offensive rhythm after the break, scoring 41 points in the second half, but could not significantly cut into the substantial deficit.

Ball State’s offensive efficiency was the story of the game. The Cardinals scored 95 points on 81 possessions, an offensive rating of 117.4, and shot an efficient 49 percent from the floor. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 of 27 three-point attempts. Northern Kentucky, by contrast, managed an offensive rating of just 79.9, shooting 40 percent from the field and a frigid 21 percent from three-point range.

The Cardinals also capitalized on Northern Kentucky’s mistakes, scoring 25 points off 21 Norse turnovers. Ball State committed only 13 turnovers themselves and recorded 14 steals.

Karsyn Norman led a balanced Ball State attack with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Bree Salenbien was a force inside, scoring a game-high 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Giorgia Gorini provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and four assists, while Tessa Towers controlled the paint with 10 points and eight rebounds.

For Northern Kentucky, Mya Meredith led the way with 18 points and three rebounds. Kamora Morgan added seven points and five rebounds, and Abby Wolterman contributed eight points and six rebounds.

An announced crowd of 1,395 watched the game.

Northern Kentucky will look for its first win on the road at Butler on Sunday. Ball State, also hitting the road, will face Memphis on Saturday.