K.J. Walton’s recent scoring outbursts highlighted by his fast-paced play

<p>Ball State redshirt junior guard K.J. Walton shoots over the top of Miami's Abdoulaye Harouna during the Cardinals' game against the Redhawks Jan. 22 in John E. Worthen Arena. Walton was Ball State's leading scorer with 16 points. <strong>Paige Grider, DN</strong></p>

Ball State redshirt junior guard K.J. Walton shoots over the top of Miami's Abdoulaye Harouna during the Cardinals' game against the Redhawks Jan. 22 in John E. Worthen Arena. Walton was Ball State's leading scorer with 16 points. Paige Grider, DN

Go.

No ready. No set.

Just go.

That’s what goes through redshirt junior guard K.J. Walton’s head when he sees an opening.

“If it’s one-on-one, I’m definitely going to go,” Walton said. “If I got shooters in the corner, I’ll find them, and I’ll just read and react.”

Those instincts have helped Walton score a combined 40 points in the Cardinals’ last two contests including a career-high 24 at Central Michigan Saturday. The second half is where he shined against the Chippewas, dropping 16 points on 8 of 9 shooting. He continued his hot streak into Tuesday, scoring 12 in the first half while making his first four shots.

“His efficiency is off the charts,” head coach James Whitford said. “He just has an uncanny knack running downhill with the ball.”

Walton is shooting 57 percent from the field and has scored fewer than 10 points only twice in 19 games this season. Redshirt senior guard Tayler Persons said he becomes a fan when Walton goes coast-to-coast.

“It’s honestly my favorite thing because it’s easy for me,” Persons said. “When he does his thing, I just get to go and watch, and it’s usually a bucket for us.”

Persons has been the Cardinals’ leading scorer since the 2016-17 season. While both guards’ play style is heavily based on attacking the rim, Walton’s scoring ability has allowed Persons to take more open shots as well boost his assist numbers.

“This guy right here has been dominating,” Walton said, gesturing toward Persons after the Cardinals’ 71-65 loss to the RedHawks Tuesday. “So, you know, I got to help him out.”

Moments later, Persons returned the favor, giving kudos to Walton.

“He’s one of the best players in our conference to me,” Persons said. “I trust him with everything. It’s one of my best friends out there. I believe in him, he believes in me and we just have to stay with it every game.”

As much praise as Walton receives, Whitford still sees room for improvement. Whitford said Walton’s giddy up on the fast break might be a little too fast at times, and slowing it down will help prevent forced shots.

“In the half court, I thought tonight he made a number of bad decisions of when to go and when not to go,” Whitford said Tuesday. “In the half court, he’s got to move the ball when there’s five guys in the paint. That’s something he and I have worked on extensively during the course of the year. He’s better than he once was, but he’s still got to find when to pause.”

Tuesday’s loss brought the Cardinals’ record down to 11-8 and 2-4 in Mid-American Conference play. It was also the third consecutive game they have dropped at home. Walton said he’s confident the team will get back on track soon.

 “We’re not worried,” Walton said. “You win and lose – it’s basketball. We’re worried about the next game, next practice. We’ll be alright.”

Next up for Ball State is a road matchup with Ohio Saturday at 2 p.m.

Contact Zach Piatt with comments at zapiatt@bsu.edu or on Twitter @zachpiatt13.

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