TERRE HAUTE - With 7:58 left in Ball State University's game at Indiana State University Saturday and the Cardinals down by 16, injured junior forward Anthony Newell went into his team's huddle and attempted to exhort them to come back. At the end of his speech, he left the huddle with a look on his face that plainly said he didn't know what to do.
Ball State was unable to make the comeback, falling to the Sycamores 59-48. The loss sent the Cardinals to their first-ever 0-8 start and extends their program-worst losing streak to 14 games extending to the end of last season.
"It really tests your mental attitude," coach Billy Taylor said. "We're making progress but it's hard to see it in wins and losses. There's definitely frustration."
The Cardinals went almost seven and a half minutes without scoring in the second half, which enabled Indiana State to build its lead. The Sycamores went on an 11-0 run for that stretch, extending their lead from five to 16.
Taylor said that Ball State's inability to score offensively led to poor defense. Indiana State's 56.5 percent shooting in the second half was the hottest-shooting second half this season by a Ball State opponent.
"In the second half, I wanted a little more from our defense," Taylor said. "We had some opportunities around the rim [on offense] and didn't convert. I thought our offense became reflective of our defense."
Indiana State held senior guard Peyton Stovall to five points for the game. Indiana State coach Kevin McKenna said the Sycamores focused on Stovall defensively.
"That was our primary focus coming into the game," McKenna said. "You always try not to allow the other team's best player to beat you."
Without Stovall's usual contribution, freshman guard Melvin Goins scored a career-high 17 points, including 13 in the second half. Goins got eight of his points at the line, making all eight of his free throw attempts.
"Melvin's really played well the last three games," Taylor said. "He's starting to finish better around the rim, making his jump shot and got to the free throw line, which will be important for him. He's very important to our offense."
Ball State shot 32 percent from the field for the game, its lowest shooting percentage of the season. McKenna complimented Indiana State's defense for shutting down the Cardinals.
"We really took away some of the things they like to do," McKenna said.
The Cardinals have one game left on their five-game road swing and Taylor said he is looking forward to the end of the trip.
"It's been a tough stretch for us," Taylor said. "Four road games, a lot of travel. It's been tough for us, without a doubt. We're trying to get over that hump."
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