With the clock winding down on Ball State University's 50-44 victory against Western Michigan University, freshman guard Pierre Snead tracked down the long rebound after another of the Bronco's missed shots and took it hard to the hoop.
His dunk came after time expired, but the symbol was the same. The Cardinals are still around.
With a 3-1 Mid-American Conference record, Ball State finds themselves tied for first place in the MAC West Division a quarter of the way into league play. Ball State has an overall record of 8-8. The loss dropped preseason-favorite Western Michigan into the tie.
"It's a long season," coach Billy Taylor said. "But it's important to get off to a good start."
It is the Cardinals best start in the MAC since 2003-04 when the team started 5-1. That team finished third in the MAC West with a 10-8 record. It is also the latest Ball State has been at .500 overall since 2004-05 when the team was 12-12.
The Cardinals haven't won the division since 2002, when the reached the Elite Eight of the National Invitational Tournament.
After losing leading scorer and forward Anthony Newell in their 46-42 win at Eastern Michigan University, the Cardinals have been able to overcome his broken leg to close out the Eagles and win two games since then.
Taylor credited the Ball State seniors for the team's ability to overcome the loss.
"These guys have been through a lot," Taylor said. "Those guys stayed committed to the program and continued to work extremely hard. [Their buying in to the program] is leading us to having success."
Senior guards Brandon Lampley, Laron Frazier and Rob Giles combined for 30 points and six assists Tuesday. Lampley led the team with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
Western Michigan came into Muncie with a chance to give themselves a two-game lead in the division. Instead they return home with several problems to address before traveling to Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
"It's real disappointing," senior forward Derek Drews said. "To get separation in four games, it doesn't happen often."
Bronco's coach Steve Hawkins isn't surprised to see the division so close.
"It's another typical Mid-American Conference year," Hawkins said. "Here we go again. Everyone has a loss and it'll be a slugfest again."
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