Head Coach James Whitford said it won’t show up in the stat sheet, but moving without the ball and emphasizing cuts is vital to offensive success.
Two months into his freshman season, Sparks said he knew he could achieve success at this level. He is averaging 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and has recorded double-doubles in three consecutive games.
Freshman center Payton Sparks recorded his third consecutive double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Sparks said he is more concerned about helping Ball State win than his individual performance.
Cochran said he didn't see anything specifically from Buffalo defensively, but instead found his open spots and played within his game.
In its 84-74 loss against Akron Jan. 11, freshman center Payton Sparks scored a career-high 23 points. He also recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, earning the first double-double of his career.
Ball State defeated Buffalo (4-8, 2-6 MAC) 20-3 Nov. 23. The victory marks the second consecutive season Ball State is bowl eligible, as the Cardinals won five of their last eight games to get to six wins.
The Cardinals converted 4-of-14 on third downs and gained four first downs in the second half. Head Coach Mike Neu attributed the failures to lack of execution and aggressiveness from the Chippewas.
After he graduates in the spring 2024 semester with a bachelor’s degree in arts and music, Atterson said he hopes to become a composer and conductor for a major symphony. He wants to use his platform to raise awareness for disabled people and show they are qualified to operate in leadership positions.
Windham led all players off the bench in minutes (20), and scored a career-high 14 points. Windham shot 4-of-5 from three, and credited his performance beyond the arc to his movement without the ball.
The loss officially eliminated the Cardinals from the MAC Championship, but they're still in the hunt for bowl eligibility. They must win at least one of their next two games to earn a bowl berth.
