Ball State University's men's basketball team is closing in on history, but not in a way it would like. After losing to Eastern Michigan University 61-51 Sunday the Cardinals are only one loss away from a school record-tying 20 losses in a season.
That means that the Cardinals (9-19, 5-9 in the Mid-American Conference) will have to beat the University of Toledo (16-11, 12-2 in the MAC) and Western Michigan University (13-15, 7-7 MAC), then win the Mid-American Conference championship and the national championship to avoid tying the mark set in 1971 when a Bud Getchell-coached team went 6-20.
Ball State led Eastern by seven points with 12:40 left in the game, but scored just eight points in the last 11:58 as the Eagles (11-17, 5-9 MAC) were able to recover from the deficit, take back the lead and secure the game.
"We didn't make shots," coach Ronny Thompson said. "The ball has to go in some kind of way. We missed lay ups, we missed jump shots and put entirely too much pressure on our defense. We have to find a way to convert."
Ball State has struggled in the second half all season, including losing five halftime leads throughout the season.
"We had momentum lapses on defense and they were able to hit shots," Anthony Newell said. "We need to learn how to give a final punch and finish games."
Newell finished with 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the team while Skip Mills came off the bench to score 13 points and take down six rebounds. However, the Cardinals shot 18-of-57 from the field.
Craig Cashen scored 11 points during the Eagles second half run. Jarred Axon led with 16 points.
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