MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless runs and a frantic final minute, the Ball State women’s basketball team edged Troy 87-86 on Saturday at Worthen Arena in a nonconference clash between two 19-win teams.

The contest, played before a crowd of 1,506, was a tale of contrasting styles and momentum swings. Troy’s pressure defense and offensive rebounding created extra chances, while Ball State relied on efficient half-court execution and clutch shooting down the stretch to secure the victory.

Ball State’s Tessa Towers delivered a pivotal performance, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including several key offensive boards in the fourth quarter. Her presence inside was a constant challenge for the Trojans. She was supported by Grace Kingery’s 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and Bree Salenbien’s all-around line of 14 points and six assists.

Troy was led by a double-double from Zay Dyer, who scored 15 points and collected 10 rebounds. Fortuna Ngnawo added 16 points and six rebounds, while point guard Rachel Leggett filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Trojans dominated the glass with 20 offensive rebounds, leading to 83 field goal attempts compared to Ball State’s 69, but ultimately could not overcome a sub-40% shooting afternoon from the field.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final 10 seconds. With Ball State leading 84-82, Troy’s Fortuna Ngnawo saw her potential go-ahead jump shot blocked by Tessa Towers with 33 seconds remaining. After a scramble, the Cardinals gained possession and called timeout with 21 seconds left.

Out of the timeout, Ball State executed a decisive play. Bree Salenbien drove and kicked the ball to Zhen Verburgt, who was stationed in the corner. Verburgt, who had seven points and eight rebounds, drained a 3-pointer with just six seconds remaining to push the Ball State lead to 87-82, effectively sealing the outcome.

Troy managed a quick layup in the final second, but Ball State successfully inbounded the ball to run out the clock.

The game featured significant shifts in control. Troy started strong, leading 22-18 after the first quarter behind early baskets from Ngnawo. Ball State responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring the Trojans 26-18 to take a 44-40 lead into halftime, fueled by Aniss Tagayi’s eight first-half points.

The third quarter belonged to Troy, which erupted for 28 points. A 12-2 run, capped by consecutive 3-pointers from Emani Jenkins, gave the Trojans a 68-66 lead heading into the final period. The teams traded blows in a tense fourth quarter that saw six lead changes before Verburgt’s late triple provided the final margin.

Statistically, the game was a study in contrasts. Troy’s 20 offensive rebounds and nine steals fueled their high-possession game, but they committed 15 turnovers and shot just 39.8% from the field. Ball State was more efficient, shooting 47.8% from the floor and 13 of 17 from the free-throw line, while committing 16 turnovers. Each team scored 32 points in the paint.

With the win, Ball State improved to 19-5 overall. The Cardinals, who were projected as 70% favorites by Interstat’s ELO system, will travel to face Eastern Michigan on Tuesday.

Troy fell to 19-4 with the narrow defeat. The Trojans will return home to host Louisiana-Lafayette next Thursday.

The matchup served as a high-quality postseason primer, featuring 14 lead changes and a dramatic finish that was not decided until the final possession.