Cardinals Separate in Second Quarter of Costa Rica Opener

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Ben Hendriks scored 16 points and threw down a powerful putback dunk as part of a huge second-quarter run that propelled the Ball State men's basketball team to a 79-58 victory Wednesday night over Costa Rica Select.

The Canadian big man was a force in the paint throughout the opening game of the Cardinals' Costa Rica visit at Banco Nacional Arena. He and fellow true freshmen Luke Bumbalough and Lucas Kroft all saw their first live game action in a BSU uniform.

Ishmael El-Amin scored 15 points and hit 4-of-6 from 3-point range, while Brachen Hazen went for 12 points and nine rebounds. Kroft added nine points and a game-high six steals.

"(Costa Rica Select) tried to get up into us and make us play fast, but I think we controlled it well," El-Amin said. "I think it took us a little bit to understand what they were trying to do, but once we figured out what they were doing, I think we slowed down and played our game."

Gallery: (7/31/2019) MBB vs. Costa Rica Select

A lackadaisical start to the second quarter left Ball State in a 25-all tie, but a timeout from head coach James Whitford seemed to ignite the focus he desired. The Cardinals outscored Cost Rica Select by 16 the rest of the quarter to take a 45-29 lead into the break.

Hendriks scored 10 of his points in the first half. His putback slam and ensuing scream late in the half brought the Cardinals' bench to its feet. El-Amin also keyed the Ball State offense early by hitting all three of his long-range attempts before the break.

The Cardinals were never threated in the second half, maintaining a double-digit lead the rest of the way. Kroft joined his freshman teammate Hendriks with a highlight dunk of his own on a late fastbreak to punctuate the win.

"They were a real physical team," Hendriks said. "That's how they play in FIBA. I think it helps me prep for college level where it's going to be physical, as well."

.@TheNextElAmin talks about adjusting to the way Costa Rica Select was defending in order to settle in offensively. pic.twitter.com/CRiXimPoAL
— Ball State Basketball (@BallStateMBB) August 1, 2019

This week's trip will offer Whitford a chance to tinker with lineup combinations and to see how this group fits together. All BSU players are slated to see roughly equivalent playing time over the three games, with each starting one game, serving as a primary sub in one and playing sparingly, if at all, in one.

Wednesday's starting lineup featured Josh Thompson, Kroft, Kani Acree, Zach Gunn and Hazen. It was also the first live action in a BSU uniform for Acree, who redshirted a year ago. Two more redshirts from last season – Miryne Thomas and Jarron Coleman – will see their first action Thursday.

The Cardinals will be in action again each of the next two days with a pair of games against perennial a Canadian collegiate power, the University of Ottawa. Both games will tip at 4 p.m. in Costa Rica (6 p.m. ET).

To keep up with the Cardinals throughout the trip, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@BallStateMBB) and visit the men's basketball page at ballstatesports.com.

Cardinals Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Earlier on their first full day in Costa Rica, the Cardinals went to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica's most visited nature park and animal sanctuary. The tour, winding through the the tree-covered mountains, included up-close looks at birds, monkeys, butterflies, snakes and jungle cats along with views of several picturesque waterfalls. Here is a look ...

Gallery: (7/31/2019) MBB at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Cardinals Separate in Second Quarter of Costa Rica Opener

Players Mentioned

Kani Acree

Luke Bumbalough

Jarron Coleman

Ishmael El-Amin

Zach Gunn

Brachen Hazen

Ben Hendriks

Lucas Kroft

Miryne Thomas

Josh Thompson

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