TERRE HAUTE — With a week off after a bad loss to Butler University at home, Ball State University went back to work.
Focusing on the little things, the Cardinals got their offense back on track Wednesday night. Ball State defeated Indiana State University 68-63 on the road, snapping a three-game losing streak.
"We were running our offense to run the play and not necessarily to score," coach Billy Taylor said. "Tonight, and what we've been working on, is running our offense to score."
With the Cardinals back focused on scoring, the offense improved markedly. Ball State shot 51.1 percent from the field and scored their second most points of the season.
Point guard Randy Davis said it was important for the team to go back to their identity.
"We went back to doing what makes us Ball State basketball," Davis said. "During that three-game stretch, at times we got away from things we're good at, and during these last couple practices, we've just been focusing on those."
Davis scored 11 points and grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. Jarrod Jones and Jauwan Scaife both reached double figures in scoring, with five rebounds and three assists each.
The Cards played more up-tempo than they had during their losing streak. Some of that stemmed from Indiana State's press in the second half, but Taylor said Ball State wanted to get into their offense quicker.
"We weren't as deep in the shot clock," Taylor said. "It wasn't a last-second shot. I just thought our guys did a better job executing our offense and really cutting to score and setting physical screens."
Ball State made their physical play effective down low, outscoring Indiana State 32-26 in the paint.
"They were getting the ball inside and making us work," Sycamores senior guard Harry Marshall said.
The Cardinals also got solid contributions from their bench. Taylor used six players off his bench. They combined for 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Jones said everyone that got in the game for the Cardinals contributed something.
"I think there was a lot of emotion in this game," the sophomore center said. "Everyone came with energy and gave it all they had and left it on the floor."
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