The Ball State University men's basketball team was able to overcome a 3-for-20 second-half shooting performance from the field today to defeat visiting Tennessee Tech University 59-55 for the Cardinals' first-ever win in the ESPNU BracketBusters event.
After leading 32-19 going into halftime, Ball State (12-13) didn't hit a field goal in the second half until a 3-pointer from freshman guard Randy Davis came with 12:03 remaining in the second half. The Cardinals would go on to hit two more shots from the field in the game - a layup from sophomore forward Malik Perry with 8:44 remaining and a 3-pointer from senior guard Brandon Lampley with 6:51 remaining.
Points off turnovers keyed runs for both teams throughout the game. In the first half, Ball State had a 14-3 advantage off turnovers, while Tennessee Tech (11-17) also had 14-3 advantage of its own in the second half.
Three Cardinals reached double-digit scoring totals, led by freshman center Jarrod Jones' 16 points and an added seven rebounds and three steals. Senior guard Laron Frazier had 14 points and three steals, while Lampley had 11 points and five rebounds.
Perry led all Cardinals with 11 rebounds, seven of which were on the offensive glass. Junior forward Eric Wormely added three points, seven rebounds and two blocks for Ball State.
For the Golden Eagles, center Daniel Northern had a team-high 11 points and a game-best 13 rebounds for the double-double. Three other TTU players - Will Barnes, Frank Davis and Elijah Muhammad - added eight points apiece.
Ball State - which moved to 1-6 all-time in ESPNU BracketBuster games with the win - returns to Mid-American Conference play as it hosts Central Michigan University on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tipoff at Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals - who are tied with Western Michigan University atop the MAC West Division with a 6-6 MAC record - will try to avenge a 71-65 loss at Central Michigan on Jan. 17.
For complete coverage of today's game, check out tomorrow's online edition of The Ball State Daily News at bsudailynews.com and Monday's print edition.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
