Ohio Bobcats Defeat Ball State Cardinals 69-57
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Convocation Center (OH)
Ohio Bobcats 69, Ball State Cardinals 57, 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 Ohio Bobcats?
Ohio Bobcats beat Ball State Cardinals 69-57 at Convocation Center (OH) on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Ball State Cardinals vs Ohio Bobcats?
Ohio Bobcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -575 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Ohio Bobcats secured a 69-57 victory over the Ball State Cardinals at the Convocation Center in Ohio. This win is particularly significant for the Bobcats, as they were looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak and improve their overall record to 15-13. The game showcased a strong performance from Ohio, who managed to capitalize on their home court advantage against a struggling Ball State team, which now holds an 8-19 record for the season.
Ohio entered the game with a home record of 3-1 in their last four home games, while Ball State's recent form has not been as favorable, with a 2-4 away record. The Bobcats had averaged 78.1 points scored per game in their last ten outings, but they faced challenges defensively, allowing an average of 81.4 points. In contrast, Ball State averaged 65.1 points scored and 71.3 points allowed during that same stretch. This disparity in scoring averages highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams leading into the game.
The previous meetings between these teams this season had seen the Bobcats lose to the Cardinals 71-76 on January 17, 2026, which added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch. The Bobcats had previously defeated Ball State 86-71 in a game from the 2025 season, indicating a competitive history between the two programs.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Ohio favored by 9.5 points, indicating the expectation of a comfortable win for the Bobcats. The total points line was set at 145.5, reflecting the anticipated offensive capabilities of both teams.
As the game unfolded, Ohio's scoring was bolstered by key contributions from players like Jackson Paveletzke, who made critical baskets in the second half, including a driving layup that extended Ohio's lead. The Bobcats maintained control throughout the game, showcasing their ability to respond to Ball State's scoring attempts. The Cardinals, despite their efforts, struggled to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where Ohio's defense tightened and limited Ball State's scoring opportunities.
The conditions in the Convocation Center were favorable for the Bobcats, with a home crowd that likely energized the players. Ohio's ability to execute their game plan effectively was evident, as they managed to outscore Ball State in the second half, reinforcing their dominance in the matchup.
Overall, this game served as a critical moment for the Ohio Bobcats as they look to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season, while Ball State will need to regroup following this defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OHIO -9.5 | 145.5 o -105 / u -115 | Ball State Cardinals +425 · Ohio Bobcats -575 |
Leaders
- PointsAidan Hadaway18Ohio Bobcats
- AssistsJackson Paveletzke6Ohio Bobcats
- ReboundsAidan Hadaway8Ohio Bobcats
- PointsDevon Barnes17Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler3Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsPreston Copeland10Ball State Cardinals
Recent form
Ohio Bobcats
Last 10: 4-6Streak L278.1 scored · 81.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L74-90at Miami (OH) RedHawksFeb 14
- L72-78at Old Dominion MonarchsFeb 8
- W91-71vs Western Michigan BroncosFeb 4
- W95-83at Buffalo BullsJan 31
- L57-72at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 28
- L65-86vs Akron ZipsJan 24
- W80-77vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 21
- L71-76at Ball State CardinalsJan 17
- L85-101at Toledo RocketsJan 14
- W91-80vs Buffalo BullsJan 10
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L265.1 scored · 71.3 allowed per game2-4 away
- L68-75vs Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 14
- L53-63vs Buffalo BullsFeb 12
- W73-68at UL Monroe WarhawksFeb 7
- L52-77at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 4
- L55-73at Toledo RocketsJan 31
- W58-53vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 24
- W68-67at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 21
- W76-71vs Ohio BobcatsJan 17
- L77-87at Akron ZipsJan 14
- L71-79at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 10
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 | Ohio Bobcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-54 | 22-52 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 5-18 | 8-21 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 38 |
| Free throws | 8-14 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 25 |
| Assists | 8 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 20 |
| Fouls | 19 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 13 | 71 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half26-38Jalen Breath makes layup (Aidan Hadaway assists)
- 2nd Half28-38Mason Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half28-39JJ Kelly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half28-40JJ Kelly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-40Elmore James IV makes layup
- 2nd Half31-40Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-40Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-41Kiir Kuany makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-41Davion Hill makes layup
- 2nd Half34-43Jackson Paveletzke makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-43Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-43Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-46Ajay Sheldon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half37-46Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-46Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-49Aidan Hadaway makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half38-50Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-51Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-51Devon Barnes makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-51Devon Barnes makes 24-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half43-54Ajay Sheldon makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half46-54Mason Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Devon Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half46-56Jackson Paveletzke makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-57Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-57Preston Copeland makes layup (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half48-58Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-59Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-60Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-60Devon Barnes makes layup
- 2nd Half51-60Cam Denson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-61Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-62Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-62Devon Barnes makes 25-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Jackson Paveletzke makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-67Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-67Preston Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-69Jackson Paveletzke makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-69Davion Hill makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio Bobcats, below favours Ball State Cardinals.
Venue
- Convocation Center (OH)Athens, OH
- Attendance4164
- OfficialsEdwin Young, Michael Griffith, Jourdan Love
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Ball State Defeats Ohio in Close ContestJan 16, 2026
- Ball State Cardinals Edge Ohio Bobcats 20-14Oct 4, 2025