As March Madness begins, the excitement builds as the Ball State Cardinals women’s basketball team gears up to face the Ole Miss Rebels in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025. Seeded No. 12 in the Spokane 1 Regional, Ball State (26-7) heads to Waco, Texas, to face off against No. 5 Ole Miss (20-10) at 5 p.m. CT, televised on ESPNU. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The Cardinals, fresh from capturing their second Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament title, secured a victory over the Toledo Rockets in the championship game on March 15, 2025, with a score of 65-58. Led by the MAC’s Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ally Becki, Ball State has been making headlines this season with a stunning overall record of 27-7.
Ally Becki’s performance throughout the tournament has been notable, averaging 13.7 points, along with 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Another standout player for Ball State is Alex Richard, who also shined in the MAC Tournament, averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds during the playoffs, earning him a spot on the All-MAC Tournament team. With this blend of talent, the Cardinals are eager to prove themselves in their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009.
The 2009 season holds a special place in Ball State's history as they pulled off a monumental upset over the fifth-seeded Tennessee Lady Vols, winning that first-round game 71-55. However, the team faced defeat in the subsequent match against Iowa State. This year, Ball State’s eyes are set on another upset as they enter the tournament with high hopes.
Ole Miss comes into the tournament riding a wave of momentum, bolstered by their strong performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin leads the Rebels into their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament, a remarkable achievement for the program. Featuring a disciplined and versatile roster, Ole Miss showcases senior guard Madison Scott as one of their key players, who averages 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Scott, recognized for her defensive prowess, is a pivotal part of Ole Miss's strategy. Not only does she lead by example on the court, but the Rebels also boast a balanced scoring attack with several players averaging in double figures. The combination of strong defense and versatile offense sets the stage for an intriguing contest against the Cardinals.
In anticipation of this pivotal game, the atmosphere in Waco and across both campuses is electrifying. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the Cardinals can replicate their past NCAA success and upset a higher-seeded team. With every March Madness matchup presenting unpredictable outcomes, anything can happen on game day.
This clash between Ball State and Ole Miss is not just about the immediate stakes but also a celebration of college basketball in its truest form. Both teams epitomize determination and skill, making this game a highlight not only for their respective programs but for women's basketball as a whole.
As the teams prepare for battle, the outcomes remain uncertain, but the stakes are high. The NCAA tournament is known for its surprises, and the opportunity for Ball State to upset the odds once again adds to the allure. Representing the MAC, the Cardinals enter with pride and the hope of advancing further in the tournament.
Ultimately, sports bring fans together, and as March Madness unfolds, everyone will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the victor.
The excitement around this first-round matchup underscores not just the passion of college sports but also the significant achievements of both teams. Will Ball State emerge victorious and create another memorable chapter in their NCAA legacy against Ole Miss? Only time will tell.
