CLEVELAND - With his career on the line, Ball State University senior guard Laron Frazier stepped up to the challenge.
With his team trailing Central Michigan University by two points in overtime of the Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinals, Frazier drove baseline before pulling up for a shot. It was blocked, but Frazier didn't give up on the play.
"I made sure I got the ball back," Frazier said. "I'm glad I got the ball back so I didn't get a turnover."
With 1:53 left on the clock, the captain's second attempt went in, giving the Cardinals a 60-59 lead they would not relinquish.
Frazier finished with a career-high 22 points and four rebounds in Ball State's 64-61 win. He made eight of his 15 shots and was 6-for-7 from the free throw line. Six of his points came in overtime, including two free throws to give the Cardinals a two-possession lead with 11 seconds left.
"We practiced a lot of free throws in the days we were off," Frazier said.
Central Michigan coach Ernie Ziegler said the type of player Frazier is made him difficult to defend.
"We struggle with really quick guards," Ziegler said. "He was the focal point of their offense."
This is the guard's second trip to the MAC Tournament after transferring from Highland Community College. Frazier said he and his three fellow seniors didn't want to waste their last trip to Cleveland.
"You've got to give it your all," Frazier said. "We don't have another chance."
Seniors Brandon Lampley and Rob Giles combined for 18 points and three rebounds to go with Frazier's career day. Anthony Newell, the fourth member of the class who watched from the bench, is still recovering from a broken leg.
Ten of Ball State's 12 points in overtime were scored by seniors.
"We all stepped up," Frazier said. "I made sure I made my shots so we can go to the next step."
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