Ball State downs #5 seed Tennessee, stun’s women’s basketball world
The world of women’s college basketball was stunned on Sunday night, and a MAC team was responsible for the headlines. The Ball State Lady Cardinals, a #12 seed in the 2009 Women’s NCAA Tournament, knocked off Pat Summit’s Tennessee Lady Vols in the first round of the Tournament. After a close first half where Ball State led Tennessee 29-28 at the half, the Lady Cardinals dominated the Lady Vols outscoring them 42-27 resulting in an ending that everyone knew was coming. Tennessee cut the Ball State lead to 8 in the final minutes of the game, but Ball State pulled away to ensure an easy 71-55 victory.
The win holds tremendous significance in the world of women’s college basketball. First of all, Pat Summit’s Tennessee teams had never lost before the Sweet 16. Secondly, the Vols were the defending 2-time National Champions. As a result of the loss, this marks the first time a defending National Champion has lost a first round game in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
Next up for the Ball State Lady Cardinals (26-8) will be the #4 seed Iowa State Cyclones, as the two will face off on Tuesday night at 9:30 pm ET.
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