The Missouri State Lady Bears make their home debut Saturday at 2 p.m. when they host Ball State at JQH Arena.
   After a pair of hard-fought road losses to begin the year, the Lady Bears return to a home court where they have won eight straight games and 11 of 12, averaging 78.5 points per game over that stretch.
   Saturday will be Missouri State's only home game in November, with trips to Santa Clara on Nov. 24 and North Texas on Dec. 1 on tap before MSU hosts South Dakota on Dec. 4.
   After Saturday's game, fans can use their ticket for free admission to the MSU volleyball match at 7 p.m. at Hammons Student Center.
Series History
Ball State won the only previous meeting, 70-58 in Muncie on Nov. 13, 2017. In that game, the Lady Bears fell behind by 15 points in the first 12 minutes and never recovered.
Danielle Gitzen finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, and MSU owned a 45-39 rebounding lead.
Scouting Ball State
Ball State, which has been to the WNIT six consecutive seasons, and is picked to finish fifth in the Mid-American Conference West Division this season. The Cardinals return six players and two starters from last season's 25-7 club.Â
   This year, Ball State is 1-1 with a loss to Purdue and win against Cleveland State. Three Cardinals averaged 10.5 points per game through two contests, and BSU scored 52.5 points per game, allowed 71.0, and shot 37.4 percent overall, 26.9 percent from long range and 54.5 percent at the foul line.
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