To see a gallery from the game, click here.
All the struggles Ball State faced during the season could be nullified with a deep run in the Mid-American Conference Tournament. That was, at least, the Cardinals mindset going into Monday's game at Western Michigan.
It wasn't enough as the disappointment of Ball State's season culminated in a first round loss at Western Michigan Monday, 69-63.
Ball State started the game on a 13-4 run, but the team couldn't sustain its momentum and trailed 33-30 at the half.
Western Michigan jumped on Ball State in the second half to lead by as many as 10 points with 13:31 remaining. The Cardinals cut the deficit to one point on a 3-pointer by Tyrae Robinson at the 1:24 mark, but the Broncos closed out the game with free throws.
The mediocrity of Ball State's 15-14 regular season record was reflected in the performance by the team's seniors.
Center Jarrod Jones and point guard Randy Davis combined for 14 points on 3-of-16 shooting and six fouls.
For the second game in a row, Ball State's bench outscored the starters by a 38-25 margin.
MAC West Player of the Week Jesse Berry was one of the few bright spots, leading the Cardinals in scoring for the third game in a row. He finished with 19 points including three 3-pointers.
Junior guard Jauwan Scaife was the only other Ball State player in double figures with 14 points.
In comparison, Western Michigan had five players in double figures. Sophomore center Matt Stainbrook led the Broncos with a stat line of 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
Ball State's loss was the team's second first round exit in the last three years.
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