Toledo Rockets Defeat Ball State Cardinals 73-55
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Savage Arena
Toledo Rockets 73, Ball State Cardinals 55, 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 Toledo Rockets?
Toledo Rockets beat Ball State Cardinals 73-55 at Savage Arena on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Ball State Cardinals vs Toledo Rockets?
Toledo Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Toledo Rockets secured a comfortable 73-55 victory over the Ball State Cardinals at Savage Arena. This game showcased Toledo's strength at home as they improved their record to 12-10, while Ball State fell to 7-14 on the season. The Rockets have now established a strong home presence with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, despite a recent overall record of 6-4 in their last ten outings. Their scoring average in this stretch was an impressive 83.1 points per game, although they also allowed an average of 78.8 points.
Toledo entered the game looking to bounce back from a loss to the Akron Zips, where they fell 81-91 just a few days prior. They had previously shown their offensive capabilities with a high-scoring win against the Ohio Bobcats, where they triumphed 101-85. However, their recent form had been mixed, with the team experiencing a one-game losing streak leading into this contest.
On the other hand, the Ball State Cardinals came into this game on a three-game winning streak, having won four of their last ten games. Their recent victories included a narrow win against the Northern Illinois Huskies, where they edged out a 58-53 victory. This streak, however, was not enough to overcome the Rockets, as their scoring average of 70.8 points per game in the last ten games fell short against Toledo’s offensive firepower.
Historically, Toledo has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Ball State, boasting a 2-0 record against them in the current season. Their previous encounters included a narrow 67-66 victory at home and a more convincing 93-75 win away. This trend continued as Toledo maintained their dominance in this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, which likely contributed to the competitive nature of the game. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of such fixtures, but both teams were at full strength.
As for the betting market, DraftKings had Toledo favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds reflected confidence in Toledo's ability to secure a win at home, as indicated by their moneyline of -380, while Ball State’s moneyline was set at 300.
The conditions inside Savage Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, with fans supporting the Rockets as they looked to solidify their home advantage. The atmosphere likely played a role in Toledo's performance, as they capitalized on their home court to control the pace of the game.
Throughout the game, viewers witnessed several key scoring plays that highlighted Toledo's offensive strategy. Notable moments included Jai Anthoni Bearden's three-point jumper assisted by Armoni Zeigler, which helped extend Toledo's lead in the second half. Additionally, a series of free throws by Bearden and a dunk by Jaylan Ouwinga capped off a strong performance from the Rockets.
Overall, Toledo's ability to execute their game plan effectively against Ball State was evident, as they maintained a significant lead throughout the match. The victory not only boosts their morale but also reinforces their position in the conference, while Ball State will need to regroup after this setback.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TOL -8.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Ball State Cardinals +300 · Toledo Rockets -380 |
Leaders
- PointsSonny Wilson19Toledo Rockets
- AssistsSonny Wilson7Toledo Rockets
- ReboundsJaylan Ouwinga9Toledo Rockets
- PointsKayden Fish14Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler3Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsArmoni Zeigler10Ball State Cardinals
Recent form
Toledo Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak L183.1 scored · 78.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L81-91at Akron ZipsJan 28
- W73-72vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 24
- L82-84at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 20
- L84-87at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 16
- W101-85vs Ohio BobcatsJan 14
- L73-87vs Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 9
- W75-61at Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 7
- W78-75at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 3
- W84-79vs Western Michigan BroncosDec 30
- W100-67vs Lourdes Gray WolvesDec 20
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak W370.8 scored · 70.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- 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
- 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
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 | Toledo Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 16-51 | 27-56 |
| Field goal % | 31 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 4-21 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 30 |
| Free throws | 19-27 | 12-14 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 28 |
| Assists | 7 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 34 |
| Fouls | 13 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 2 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-37Sean Craig makes layup
- 1st Half25-39Sonny Wilson makes 8-foot jumper (Leroy Blyden Jr. assists)
- 1st Half27-39Armoni Zeigler makes layup
- 2nd Half27-42Sean Craig makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half28-42Devon Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half28-44Leroy Blyden Jr. makes layup (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half28-45Leroy Blyden Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half30-45Kayden Fish makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half30-47Sonny Wilson makes layup (Austin Parks assists)
- 2nd Half31-47Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-47Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-49Sean Craig makes layup (Leroy Blyden Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half34-49Kayden Fish makes layup
- 2nd Half35-49Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-49Kayden Fish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-52Sean Craig makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half37-52Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-53Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-54Austin Parks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-56Sonny Wilson makes layup (Sean Craig assists)
- 2nd Half39-56Preston Copeland makes layup (Devon Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half39-58Mynor Strong makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-61Leroy Blyden Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half41-61Cam Denson makes layup
- 2nd Half41-62Sonny Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-63Sonny Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-65Sonny Wilson makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half42-65Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-65Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-65Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-65Devon Barnes makes 29-foot three point jumper (Elmore James IV assists)
- 2nd Half47-66Sean Craig makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-66Jai Anthoni Bearden makes 22-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half50-68Austin Parks makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half51-68Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-68Elmore James IV makes layup
- 2nd Half53-71London Praytor makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leroy Blyden Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-71Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-71Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-73Jaylan Ouwinga makes 3-foot dunk (Will James Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Toledo Rockets, below favours Ball State Cardinals.
Venue
- Savage ArenaToledo, OH
- Attendance4076
- OfficialsRob Kueneman, Tony Meeks, Ed Phillips
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