Photo by: Ball State Athletics
Cards Down Ottawa Again to Polish off 3-0 Week in San Jose
August 02, 2019 | Men's Basketball
Ishmael El-Amin scores double figures for third straight game to lead BSU
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Three days, three wins. And now some time for the Ball State men's basketball team to relax.
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The Cardinals defeated the University of Ottawa for the second straight night Friday at Banco Nacional Arena to polish off a 3-0 week. Now they'll get to enjoy a couple days of fun before returning to Muncie.
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Ishmael El-Amin, who impressed all week, led a balanced scoring attack in Friday's 70-61 victory with 12 points and three assists. Kyle Mallers scored 11 and Tahjai Teague added 10. Teague scored 21 in the previous day's win over one of Canada's top teams.
ÂGallery: (8/2/2019) MBB vs. Ottawa (Gm. 2)
Despite tired legs, the Cardinals played with all the energy and emotion of a team that was well rested. The victory capped a positive week in the eyes of head coach James Whitford, who is evaluating how a team with six newcomers will mix this year.
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"I think you learn a lot more about your team when the lights are on," Whitford said. "Based on the information I have through three games, we've had good cohesiveness. I just told them team I'm proud of the way they've handled the trip, on the court, off the court. It makes me proud as their coach."
Ball State found itself behind early in Friday's game, just like the night before. But the Cardinals grabbed the lead in the second quarter, took a 29-27 advantage into the break and stayed on top the rest of the way.Â
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An 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 62-51, and Ball State had the answer every time Ottawa pulled within striking distance.
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"It was good for us to play them a second night," Whitford said. "They were able to adjust a couple things to us, and we were able to adjust a couple things to them. I thought our guys really competed and had really good team chemistry."
The Cardinals have two days remaining in Costa Rica. They will travel to Los Suenos, visiting the Crocodile Bridge along the way and then heading to the beach. Sunday's activities include a ziplining excursion before the team travels home Monday.
Cardinals Tour San Jose
Earlier in the day, the Cardinals toured San Jose, driving through the city with a guide, visiting the National Stadium of Costa Rica, checking out the National Theater and doing some souvenir shopping at the local artisan market. Here is a look ...
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The Cardinals defeated the University of Ottawa for the second straight night Friday at Banco Nacional Arena to polish off a 3-0 week. Now they'll get to enjoy a couple days of fun before returning to Muncie.
Â
Ishmael El-Amin, who impressed all week, led a balanced scoring attack in Friday's 70-61 victory with 12 points and three assists. Kyle Mallers scored 11 and Tahjai Teague added 10. Teague scored 21 in the previous day's win over one of Canada's top teams.
Â
Despite tired legs, the Cardinals played with all the energy and emotion of a team that was well rested. The victory capped a positive week in the eyes of head coach James Whitford, who is evaluating how a team with six newcomers will mix this year.
Â
"I think you learn a lot more about your team when the lights are on," Whitford said. "Based on the information I have through three games, we've had good cohesiveness. I just told them team I'm proud of the way they've handled the trip, on the court, off the court. It makes me proud as their coach."
Ball State found itself behind early in Friday's game, just like the night before. But the Cardinals grabbed the lead in the second quarter, took a 29-27 advantage into the break and stayed on top the rest of the way.Â
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An 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 62-51, and Ball State had the answer every time Ottawa pulled within striking distance.
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.@kmallers14 scored 11 points in tonight's win and spoke about the intensity of the game. pic.twitter.com/Ia9zgmahIG
— Ball State Basketball (@BallStateMBB) August 3, 2019
"It was good for us to play them a second night," Whitford said. "They were able to adjust a couple things to us, and we were able to adjust a couple things to them. I thought our guys really competed and had really good team chemistry."
The Cardinals have two days remaining in Costa Rica. They will travel to Los Suenos, visiting the Crocodile Bridge along the way and then heading to the beach. Sunday's activities include a ziplining excursion before the team travels home Monday.
Cardinals Tour San Jose
Earlier in the day, the Cardinals toured San Jose, driving through the city with a guide, visiting the National Stadium of Costa Rica, checking out the National Theater and doing some souvenir shopping at the local artisan market. Here is a look ...
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