Senior foward Robert Owens celebrated his 22 birthday in style last night in Ball State's 90 to 75 win over Central Michigan.
"I didn't expect anything like this," Owens said. "This is a great birthday present for my team."
Owens led the Cards with 27 points and 10 rebounds, both season highs. Owens was perfect from the field in the second half, going 7-of-7. It was also Owens' first double of the year, who's been averaging 12 points and four rebounds a game this season. Owens said he didn't feel any different because of his birthday.
"It was a regular day, but I just felt more in tune, I wanted to come out and do everything right," Owens said. "I didn't want to make any mistakes."
Ball State head coach Tim Buckley said that Owens' success started with his focus on defense, which carried over to his shooting. Buckley said that Owens' performance last night is how he should play.
"The way he played tonight is my expectation for him on a nightly basis and not necessarily the numbers, but just the effort and the kind of intensity, and the leadership that he showed," Buckley said.
Not only did Owens play well on his birthday, but playing Central Michigan has brought the best out of Owens as well. In two games against the Chippewas last year, Owens averaged 18 points and eight rebounds.
Owens was not alone in celebrating his birthday. Junior guard Matt McCollom joined the celebration by adding a season high 21 points in last night's game. Central Michigan head coach Jay Smith said that both McCollom and Owens played very well.
"I really thought Robert Owens played exceptionally well and McCollom really stepped up," Smith said. "They shot the ball very well from the floor."
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