Saturday, February 9
Muncie, Ind.
2:00 PM ET
Ball State University
79
vs
59
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
1
2
F
Western Mich.
26
33
59
Ball St.
27
52
79
Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
Mallers’ Career Game Ignites Ball State to 79-59 Win over Western Michigan
February 09, 2019 | Men's Basketball
Hazen returns to floor for first time since early December, scores 11 off the bench
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State men's basketball team will head into its open week riding back-to-back wins after pulling away from Western Michigan in a 79-59 victory Saturday afternoon in Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals scored 52 points and hit eight 3-pointers after intermission to break open what was just a one-point lead at the break.
"We grew a little bit in the sense that when things weren't going well for us, we kept our defense where it needed to be," Ball State head coach James Whitford said. "That's been an issue for us, and I thought that was great today."
Junior Kyle Mallers, who was held scoreless in Ball State's most recent game at Northern Illinois, was on fire against the Broncos. He finished with career highs in points (22) and 3-pointers made (6) while hitting 7-of-11 from the floor. The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native also racked up a season-best 10 rebounds to record his third career double-double.
Mallers' roommate Brachen Hazen also provided a spark for Ball State (13-11, 4-7 MAC). Hazen saw game action for the first time in 16 contests after dealing with a lingering injury. He chipped in 11 points, including three 3-pointers, one of which he banked in from the top of the key during Ball State's pivotal run in the second half.
"In (Hazen's) 18 minutes, we outscored them by 22," Whitford said. "He provided us a good lift with his energy, and he's another guy who can space the floor, which we certainly need."
Hazen, Mallers and Austin Nehls all hit from long range in Ball State's 15-2 run that saw the Cardinals stretch their lead to 64-47 with 4:50 left. Ball State would lead by as many as 21 points down the stretch in its first meeting against Western Michigan (6-17, 0-10) this season. The two teams will meet again in early March in Kalamazoo.
Tayler Persons scored 15 points and handed out five assists for Ball State, while K.J. Walton also reached double figures with 11 points.
Western Michigan suffered its 10th straight MAC loss. Center Seth Dugan tallied his 10th double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Broncos.
Ball State returns to action next Saturday, Feb. 16, with a home game against Akron. Tip time on ESPN3 is slated for 2 p.m.
The Cardinals scored 52 points and hit eight 3-pointers after intermission to break open what was just a one-point lead at the break.
"We grew a little bit in the sense that when things weren't going well for us, we kept our defense where it needed to be," Ball State head coach James Whitford said. "That's been an issue for us, and I thought that was great today."
Junior Kyle Mallers, who was held scoreless in Ball State's most recent game at Northern Illinois, was on fire against the Broncos. He finished with career highs in points (22) and 3-pointers made (6) while hitting 7-of-11 from the floor. The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native also racked up a season-best 10 rebounds to record his third career double-double.
Mallers' roommate Brachen Hazen also provided a spark for Ball State (13-11, 4-7 MAC). Hazen saw game action for the first time in 16 contests after dealing with a lingering injury. He chipped in 11 points, including three 3-pointers, one of which he banked in from the top of the key during Ball State's pivotal run in the second half.
"In (Hazen's) 18 minutes, we outscored them by 22," Whitford said. "He provided us a good lift with his energy, and he's another guy who can space the floor, which we certainly need."
Hazen, Mallers and Austin Nehls all hit from long range in Ball State's 15-2 run that saw the Cardinals stretch their lead to 64-47 with 4:50 left. Ball State would lead by as many as 21 points down the stretch in its first meeting against Western Michigan (6-17, 0-10) this season. The two teams will meet again in early March in Kalamazoo.
Kyle Mallers Three Point Counter:
— Ball State Basketball (@BallStateMBB) February 9, 2019
1?2?3? pic.twitter.com/DxevJeu8Ir
Tayler Persons scored 15 points and handed out five assists for Ball State, while K.J. Walton also reached double figures with 11 points.
Western Michigan suffered its 10th straight MAC loss. Center Seth Dugan tallied his 10th double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Broncos.
Ball State returns to action next Saturday, Feb. 16, with a home game against Akron. Tip time on ESPN3 is slated for 2 p.m.
Coach Whit breaks down today's victory over Western Michigan as the Cards return to the win column at home and post a second straight league W ... pic.twitter.com/tGcArB6Sk3
— Ball State Basketball (@BallStateMBB) February 9, 2019
.@brachen_ was all smiles in the postgame press conference after returning to the floor for the first time since early December ... pic.twitter.com/TltkyWYMxs
— Ball State Basketball (@BallStateMBB) February 9, 2019
Team Stats
M-774
M-47
FG%
.375
.500
3FG%
.208
.458
FT%
.706
.571
RB
33
39
TO
15
11
STL
7
5
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
22
FGM
7
3FGM
6
FTM
2
Pts
15
FGM
7
3FGM
1
FTM
0
Pts
11
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
1
Pts
11
FGM
3
3FGM
3
FTM
2
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballMen's Basketball // Armoni Zeigler
Wednesday, September 10
Men's Basketball // Armoni Zeigler - Heart of the Cardinal Podcast
Tuesday, September 09
Men's Basketball // Jai Anthoni Bearden
Wednesday, August 20
Men's Basketball // Jai Anthoni Bearden - Heart of the Cardinal Podcast
Wednesday, August 20