MUNCIE, Ind.--- The Ball State men’s basketball team fought back from a rough first half to force overtime at the end of regulation Tuesday night at Worthen Arena. They lost in a 84-79 defeat.
The Cardinals had two chances to take the lead within the last 40 seconds of regulation, however, the Bobcats managed to contest both shots.
In the first half, Ohio started out strong and got out to a 13-0 edge, going into halftime at a 36-27 lead against Ball State. The Cardinals came into the second half scoring the first seven points and managing to eventually gain their first lead in the game.
Junior Basheer Jihad sank a pair of free throws with 13:38 left to play taking the lead 47-46. Jihad was shooting 83.3% at the line, draining a total of six free throws throughout the game and only missing one shot.
Both teams were going head-to-head with neither team leading by more than two points for the rest of regulation.
Junior Jalin Anderson took charge with 22 points and nine rebounds, while adding three steals. Mickey Pearson Jr. also took charge as well, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds, as well as Davion Bailey scoring all 15 of his points coming out after the half while also securing four rebounds.
Trent Middleton Jr. was also able to obtain seven points, five assists and six rebounds. Ball State proved to be strong in securing defensive rebounds and shooting from the three-point line. The Cardinals shot 41.9% at the three-point and managed to get 26 defensive rebounds.
The visiting Ohio Bobcats eventually took the lead by end of regulation, benefitting from Jihad fouling out with 1:26 left to play with Cardinals up 70-68.
You can catch Ball State back in action against Texas State Saturday in the MAC-SBC Challenge. Tip off will be at 5 p.m./4 p.m. CT at Strahan Arena.
