With the score tied at halftime of Wednesday's game against Indiana State, it was apparent Ball State men's basketball coach Billy Taylor needed someone to step up in the second half.
Coming out of a timeout about five minutes into the second half, sophomore guard Jauwan Scaife created the spark Ball State needed.
Scaife scored a career-high 24 points, 22 of which came after halftime of Ball State's 75-60 win against Indiana State. Scaife made 7-of-10 field goals in the final 20 minutes and was 7 of 7 from the free throw line.
"I got into a zone where I wasn't thinking about anything," Scaife said. "If I had a little bit of day light I was letting it go, and it was just falling."
It was Scaife's defense that sparked his offense.
With 14:35 left, Scaife cut in front of a Sycamore pass, stole the ball and dashed towards the rim. He was fouled hard and knocked on the court, but he still made the basket. The 3,819 fans in Worthen Arena erupted.
Scaife said that play jump-started the Cardinals.
"The defense is what gets you going," Scaife said. "I thought that steal coming in the second half was really big for myself and our team to bring a little more energy."
While Scaife led the Cardinals offensively, their team defense held a bigger Sycamores team all game. Indiana State shot 42.3 percent from the field — almost 20 percent below its average in the first three games — and was 4 of 17 from behind the 3-point arc.
Ball State forced 26 total turnovers, resulting in 33 points.
"It took us some time to find our rhythm and hit our stride on the offensive end of the floor," Taylor said. "I give credit to Indiana State. I think they played with a lot of energy."
Point guard Randy Davis finished with 15 points and nine assists. Center Jarrod Jones had his second straight double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Indiana State was led by Carl Richard's 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Taylor said the biggest thing he was proud of after the game — besides Scaife stepping up — was the ability for his team to stop any large comebacks in the first two games this season.
"I really like the fact that in two games we've been able to get a lead and we haven't had a significant run back at us," he said.
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
