MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Ball State Cardinals vs. Central Michigan Chippewas

Kevin McKay led the way, as he scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds to help Central Michigan defeat Ball State, 75-51 in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday night. McKay also earned two blocks. Central Michigan moves to 17-13 (6-11 MAC) with the victory, and Ball State falls to 19-11 (10-7 MAC) with the loss.

Three other Chippewas scored in double figures. Cecil Williams did a little of everything, as he scored 18 points, dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds. Williams also had two blocks and four steals. David DiLeo added 12 points and grabbed six rebounds for CMU, and Luke Meyer scored 10 points of his own.

Central Michigan connected on 25 of their 61 (41%) shots on the night. CMU was able to get the three to fall tonight, as the Chips made 12 of their 28 (43%) three-pointers. Central was also able to cash in at the free throw line, as they made 13 of their 15 (87%) attempts at the charity stripe.

Only one Ball State player scored in double figures. Tahjai Teague led the Cardinals, as he scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Tayler Persons added nine points, with three assists and five rebounds, and Kyle Mallers scored eight points and nabbed four rebounds. Trey Moses added six points and eight rebounds for Ball State as well.

Ball State was able to make 19 of their 52 (37%) shot attempts. The Cardinals struggled from beyond the arc, as they made just five of their 20 (25%) shots from three-point range. Ball State also struggled at the free throw line, as they made eight of their 15 (53%) shots at the charity stripe. Ball State also turned the ball over 16 times, and CMU only turned it over six times.

This game went back and forth throughout the first half, with CMU leading at halftime, 33-30. CMU would open the second half with a 12-5 run and never looked back. Ball State only scored 21 second half points to CMU’s 42. CMU was able to knock down their threes and forced Ball State to turn the ball over many times to earn the win.

Central Michigan looks to finish the regular season off strong, as they stay home to host the Western Michigan Broncos on Friday, March 2nd. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.

Ball State will look to get their 20th win of the season in their final regular season game, as they travel to Dekalb to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies on Friday, March 2nd. Tip is set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will be aired on ESPN3.