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They played well the first quarter or so and then the Field Trip Game hangover must've kicked in!

Big game for Minutewomen tonight. Ball State is undefeated in MAC and tied for first, 14-4 0verall.

I checked and it is on ESPN +.

Strong first half but a lot of fouls. No Chinenye again, which is a problem. Honestly, if they can just hang tough in this one, I'm satisfied. So far, mission accomplished, but lots of BB left to play.

Wheels came off in the second half. Didn’t get much from the frontline. In foul trouble for most of the game. They miss the depth that she provides. Ferguson had a good game. McKayle will be first team MAC.

Bags wrote: Wed Jan 21, 2026 8:40 pmWheels came off in the second half. Didn’t get much from the frontline. In foul trouble for most of the game. They miss the depth that she provides. Ferguson had a good game. McKayle will be first team MAC.

Agreed. I'm hoping they learn from this and improve as they can. Ball State is emerging as the best team in the MAC. They may just be better than us at this moment. I'd still love to see us finish in the top 3.

With Che out and Meg in foul trouble we are very thin up front. In addition playing probably the best team in their building, this was a tough one to win,McKayle a definite 1st team all conference player. Very hopefully we can keep her for the next 2 years.

Hopeful will all hands on deck we can get Ball State in the tournament at a neutral site (Cleveland),

One thing is very obvious. When a couple of key players are not available, the Minutewomen don't have the bench to compete against the better teams.

bottom line wrote: Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:18 amOne thing is very obvious. When a couple of key players are not available, the Minutewomen don't have the bench to compete against the better teams.

This is true. The combination of Momo Leclair leaving and Taylor Derkack getting injured, both very late in the process, really depleted our depth and created holes that couldn't be filled. That's a bummer, but for year three of basically a complete rebuild, I really like the direction in which this program is headed. I think if we can retain our best athletes, the future has great promise. I'm still enjoying this season and I'm hoping they see a tournament of some sort at year's end.

OUT COACHED AGAIN.

Berkman wrote: Thu Jan 22, 2026 2:23 pm OUT COACHED AGAIN.

Berky - they are 13-4. I think the coaching has been pretty decent thus far.

Berkman wrote: Thu Jan 22, 2026 2:23 pm OUT COACHED AGAIN.

Berky, are you thinking about the men's team? This game was a talent and depth issue. They were better and deeper, and we were missing our one true center.

UMWBB has rescheduled this weekend's home game, due to the coming storm.
The Bowling Green game will now be on Saturday at 11 AM, moved way up from the previous Sunday at 4 PM, but that now also avoids the Patriots conflict.
https://umassathletics.com/news/2026/1/ ... n-24-at-11

It's obvious it was more of a depth and a little talent issue especially not having Chi when we are already height challenged. We replaced a 6'4 person with a 5'10 starter (and Lily played well) where we only have 3 players over 6 feet that play anyway.

^^ It’s actually good for the Pats and the fans that the games is away, especially if this storm lives up to the predictions.