by Ball State men’s basketball got their season started against Louisiana-Lafayette in the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. The Cardinals were able to start their season in Muncie in front of their home crowd with a 75-64 win.
Fans got the opportunity to see some new faces play for Ball State for the first time. Seven of the eight Cardinals that saw playing time were transfers from other programs.
Ball State got better as the game progressed. They scored 47 points in the second half compared to their 29 in the first half.
Here are some notes from this matchup.
Decision Making
Ball State showed some concerns controlling the ball early on. The team recorded 10 turnovers just in the first half. They got better as the game went on as they only committed one turnover through 15 minutes in the second half.
Meanwhile, also in the first half, the boys shot 50% from the field going 9-18 on field goals. Their scoring efficiency didn’t ever go away. Ball State wound up shooting 53% from around the arch and over 50% in total field goals.
Running Small-Ball
Ball State’s tallest player in their starting lineup was Mason Jones standing at 6’7, and it was Kayden Fish (6’6) who jumped for the opening tip-off.
This could strongly benefit the Cardinals moving forward by adding some offensive versatility. This was proven with the scoring difference. Ball State had guards getting to the basket and forwards shooting from beyond the arch.
Forward from Long Beach State Cam Denson made two three-point shots in the first half proving he can space the floor. Ball State also had guard Davion Hill everywhere. Hill was hurting Louisiana from around the perimeter with his shooting early and his strength inside as the game went on.
Controlling the game
Ball State led this game for a total of 30 minutes and six seconds, but only stretched to a double-digit lead with 1:36 left in the game.
The Cardinals led almost the entire first half when in the end, they would give up a 6-0 run to Louisiana in the final 13 seconds of the first half.
Even with a relatively shorter team, Ball State held their own on the boards by winning the rebounding battle . They also dealt with a more physical game as they took the blow of at 23 fouls throughout the game.
Ball State only got stronger as the game went on. Their biggest lead was 12 points in the final 43 seconds in the game to end up with a solid double-digit victory.
The Cardinals play Friday, Nov. 7 against Mansfield at home to hopefully build some confidence to travel to Wisconsin on Nov. 11.
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