Two nights ago Ball State's Randy Davis came up just short on a game-winning shot against St. John's in the Great Alaska Shootout.
He redeemed himself Friday night, leading Ball State to a 73-54 victory and posting his first career double-double. Davis scored 11 points and dished out a career-high 11 assists against the Thunderbirds.
Four Cardinals had double figures in scoring. Jarrod Jones scored a season-high 19 points, Jauwan Scaife had 14 and Jesse Berry followed with 12.
Ball State jumped out to an 11-0 run to began the game and never looked back. They held a 16-point lead at halftime behind 62.4 percent shooting, including 4 of 7 from beyond the 3-point arc. Southern Utah was held to 9-of-23 shooting and 1 of 7 from behind the arc in the first half.
The Cardinals defense pressured the Thunderbirds offense all night, forcing 19 turnovers with 24 points coming off turnovers.
Southern Utah had two players in double figures. Ray Jones was the leading scorer for the Thunderbirds with 16, and Matt Massey scored 14.
Ball State improved to 3-2 and advanced to the fourth-place game Saturday.