Ball State Edges Central Michigan in Nail-Biter
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Ball State Cardinals 68, Central Michigan Chippewas 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Ball State Cardinals beat Central Michigan Chippewas 68-67 at McGuirk Arena on January 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Ball State Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Ball State Cardinals narrowly defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 68-67 at McGuirk Arena. This game was particularly interesting as both teams have struggled throughout the season, with Central Michigan holding a record of 5-14 and Ball State at 6-13. The close score reflects the competitive nature of the contest, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry.
Central Michigan's recent form has been concerning, as they have only managed to win 2 of their last 10 games, currently on a one-game losing streak. Their scoring average during this stretch is 69.5 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 83.7 points. Their last five games have seen them record a 1-4 record, with an average of 71.2 points scored and 85.0 points allowed. At home, they have a record of 2-2 in their last ten games but have struggled on the road, going 0-6.
In contrast, Ball State has also faced challenges, winning only 2 of their last 10 games, but they come into this game on a one-game winning streak after defeating Ohio Bobcats 76-71. Their average scoring during this span is slightly better at 69.8 points, while they have allowed 71.3 points. In their last five games, they have a record of 1-4, scoring an average of 69.6 points and allowing 79.2 points. They have struggled away from home as well, with a record of 0-5 in their last five away games.
The two teams have faced each other twice in the previous season, splitting the series with each team winning one game. Central Michigan lost to Ball State 80-82 at home on January 22, 2025, but managed to win the away game 69-67 on March 5, 2025. This history of close games adds to the significance of this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate their rosters throughout the season, which can impact performance. The betting market has Ball State as a slight favorite, with odds of -1.5 according to DraftKings. The total for the game was set at 142.5, with over odds at -108.0 and under odds at -112.0. Central Michigan's moneyline was listed at -105.0, while Ball State's was at -115.0, indicating a competitive matchup.
Game conditions were not detailed, but the atmosphere at McGuirk Arena is typically charged for home games, which could have played a role in the Chippewas' performance. Viewers should have watched for the pivotal scoring plays that defined the second half, including a crucial three-point jumper by Devon Barnes that gave Ball State a lead and a series of driving layups by Davion Hill that helped secure the victory.
As the game concluded, Central Michigan's home win probability was at 0.0, emphasizing the challenge they faced against Ball State. This game not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the ongoing struggles they face in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BALL -1.5 | 142.5 o -108 / u -112 | Ball State Cardinals -115 · Central Michigan Chippewas -105 |
Leaders
- PointsLogan McIntire21Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsTamario Adley6Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsTamario Adley8Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsArmoni Zeigler17Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsArmoni Zeigler7Ball State Cardinals
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 2-8Streak L169.5 scored · 83.7 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L61-100at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 14
- W87-85vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 10
- L69-82at Akron ZipsJan 7
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
- L64-80vs Ohio BobcatsDec 30
- L61-88at Wisconsin BadgersDec 23
- L73-74at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 20
- W85-65vs Olivet CometsDec 18
- L55-78at Stony Brook SeawolvesDec 13
- L65-107at Saint Louis BillikensDec 7
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 2-8Streak W169.8 scored · 71.3 allowed per game0-5 away
- W76-71vs Ohio BobcatsJan 17
- L77-87at Akron ZipsJan 14
- L71-79at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 10
- L52-74vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 7
- L72-85at Buffalo BullsJan 3
- W93-30vs Earlham QuakersDec 30
- L77-86vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 20
- L64-69at Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 14
- L64-68vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 10
- L52-64at Evansville Purple AcesDec 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Ball State Cardinals | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-62 | 25-52 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 8-25 | 12-19 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 63 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 5-10 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 24 |
| Assists | 13 | 13 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 2 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 24 |
| Fouls | 12 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 82 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half32-18Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-18Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-20Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Logan McIntire assists)
- 2nd Half33-21Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-22Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-22Armoni Zeigler makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-24Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-24Preston Copeland makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half39-24Elmore James IV makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-26Tamario Adley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-28Logan McIntire makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-28Elmore James IV makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-31Keenan Garner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half41-34Logan McIntire makes 26-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half44-34Devon Barnes makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-34Devon Barnes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half47-37Jalen Kampen makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-40Tamario Adley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half50-40Devon Barnes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half50-43Tamario Adley makes 28-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half52-43Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-45Logan McIntire makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half52-47Tamario Adley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-47Kayden Fish makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-50Tamario Adley makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half54-52Logan McIntire makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-52Armoni Zeigler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-52Mason Jones makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half58-54Keenan Garner makes driving layup (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half58-57Tamario Adley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half60-57Armoni Zeigler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-59Nathan Claerbaut makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-59Devon Barnes makes 22-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half63-62Logan McIntire makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half65-62Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-65Logan McIntire makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half67-65Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-65Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-66Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Tamario Adley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Ball State Cardinals.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance2202
- OfficialsJeff Spedoske, Michael Griffith, Kevin Raher
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