Ball State University Athletics
Men?s Hoops Rolls in Second Half of Bahamas Opener
August 05, 2015 | Men's Basketball
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Jeremie Tyler scored 19 points Wednesday night to lead the Ball State men's basketball team to a 74-53 victory over the CTG Knights in exhibition action.
The Cardinals rebounded from a slow start and turned the game in their favor during a dominant third quarter at the Kendal Isaacs National Gymnasium. It was the team's first of two games as part of the 2015 Summer of Thunder series in The Bahamas.
Ball State held a slim 24-23 edge at halftime but quickly opened up a double-digit advantage in the third of four 10-minute quarters, in line with FIBA regulations. The Cardinals outscored the Knights by a 27-13 margin during that third period.
It was a unique challenge, squaring off against a team with which they were completely unfamiliar. The Knights basically played a five-guard lineup, meaning matchups were tricky at times.
“There was a little bit of an adjustment and a learning period for us,” head coach James Whitford said. “But once we settled in, I thought we competed. We certainly are capable of playing a lot better, but overall I thought it was a good effort, I thought we defended well, and I was pleased.”
Sean Sellers added 11 points, while Franko House came up just shy of a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Twelve different Ball State players scored in the game as the team opened up a lead of more than 20 points in the final quarter.
A quartet of players made their debut for the Cardinals, led by Ryan Weber and his nine-point effort. Weber sat out all of last season after transferring from Youngstown State.
Graduate transfer center Nate Wells scored seven points and grabbed five boards, while junior college transfer Naiel Smith handed out four assists to only one turnover. Freshman Trey Moses chipped in with a shot clock-beating jumper and a late blocked shot.
“That's why this trip is so important for us,” Whitford said. “We have a lot of guys who are new or who are looking to shake off some rust. That's why the timing of this trip works out so well.”
Tyler, who was the only Ball State player with a hot hand early, finished 8 for 14 from the floor, including a pair of 3's and a couple of transition dunks. He scored the team's first seven points of the night and continued to impress with his quickness and scoring throughout.
Ball State shot 41 percent for the game, including 50 percent after halftime. The Cardinals limited the Knights to 24 percent shooting and held a 51-34 advantage on the glass.
Ball State will conclude its Bahamas trip Friday with a 9 p.m. tipoff against the Providence Storm.
