Ball State used a 29-point third quarter to separate itself from Cleveland State and win its season opener 76-64 on Saturday afternoon.
The Cardinals held just a one-point advantage at halftime before outscoring the Vikings 29-18 in the third to pull away.
Junior guard Carmen Grande led Ball State in scoring with 20 points and also dished out 9. Senior forward Moriah Monaco added 18, and senior forward Destiny Washington scored 15.
Washington also led the team in rebounds grabbing 13, and recording her first double-double of the season.
Ball State shot 39.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from behind the three-point line, while holding Cleveland State to 31.8 percent from the field and 20 percent from three.
The Cardinals shot 25 free throws but only capitalized on 16, shooting 64% from the line.
Ball State (1-0) will host Missouri State (0-0) on Monday at 7 p.m. at Worthen Arena.
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