During Ball State’s two-game losing streak, the team could at least take pride in its energy to stay in contention against two of the top teams in Mid-American Conference’s East Division.
On Saturday, the Cardinals didn’t even show a consistent effort to fight around ball screens.
Breakdowns on the perimeter were only the beginning as Ball State (7-9, 1-3 MAC) lost its third straight game 71-57 at Central Michigan (9-8, 2-2 MAC).
The Chippewas won the hustle plays, beating the Cardinals to seemingly every loose ball.
While Ball State’s initial defense was good, Central Michigan’s second and third opportunity possessions wore the visiting team down.
Both teams recorded 16 offensive rebounds, but Chippewa guards Chris Fowler and Kyle Randall took advantage of the extra chances, finding wide-open shooters for 17 second chance points.
For the third straight game, Ball State’s junior forward Majok Majok recorded a double-double. His 14 points and 11 rebounds were both team highs, but it wasn’t enough.
The Cardinals inability to close out possessions seemingly sucked all the energy out of them on offense, making them settle for long jumpers.
After the score was tied at 43 with 12:55 remaining in the second half, Ball State committed five turnovers and missed 10 3-pointers.
Randall and forwards Oliver Mbaigoto and Blake Hibbitts finished in double figures for Central Michigan with 16 , 12 and 12 points, respectively.
Senior guard Jauwan Scaife was the only other Cardinal who finished in double figures with 13 points.
Ball State’s next game in on Wednesday at home against Buffalo.
