Ball State Edges UL Monroe in Close Contest
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Fant-Ewing Coliseum
Ball State Cardinals 73, UL Monroe Warhawks 68, 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 UL Monroe Warhawks?
Ball State Cardinals beat UL Monroe Warhawks 73-68 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum on February 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Ball State Cardinals vs UL Monroe Warhawks?
Ball State Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Ball State Cardinals defeated the UL Monroe Warhawks with a final score of 73-68 at the Fant-Ewing Coliseum. This game was significant for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the NCAAB league. Ball State came into the game with an away record of 8-15, while UL Monroe had struggled throughout the season, holding a record of 4-21.
Both teams have had their share of challenges leading up to this game. UL Monroe's recent form saw them with a record of 1-8-1 in their last ten games, including a win against Old Dominion Monarchs on February 5, where they scored 85 points. However, their overall scoring average during this stretch was only 61.5 points per game, while they allowed an average of 73.9 points. This indicates a significant struggle on the defensive end. In contrast, Ball State's last ten games yielded a record of 4-6, but they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup, having lost to Bowling Green and Toledo in their last two outings. Their average scoring during this period was 67.4 points, with an average of 69.6 points allowed.
At home, UL Monroe had a record of 0-4 in their last five games, while Ball State had a more favorable home record of 3-1 in their last four. This disparity in home and away performance added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as UL Monroe sought to leverage their home court advantage despite their overall struggles.
The two teams had met previously, but the block does not provide details on those encounters. However, the current season's context and the urgency for both teams to secure a win made this game particularly compelling.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either side, which meant both teams were likely at full strength for this critical matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Ball State favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 143.5. The odds reflected the general expectation of a competitive game, with the spread indicating that Ball State was seen as the stronger team, albeit not by a wide margin. The moneyline odds were also notable, with Ball State at -218 and UL Monroe at +180, further illustrating the market's lean towards the Cardinals.
Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but given the venue, one might infer that the atmosphere at Fant-Ewing Coliseum was charged, with home fans hoping for a much-needed victory.
As the game unfolded, it was marked by several key scoring plays in the second half. Krystian Lewis was instrumental for Ball State, making a 15-foot turnaround jump shot that pushed the Cardinals' lead to 69-63. Devon Barnes added to the score with free throws, extending the lead further. Despite UL Monroe's efforts to close the gap, including a late three-point jumper by Dylan Diaz, they could not overcome the deficit established by Ball State.
Ultimately, Ball State's ability to maintain their composure in the closing moments of the game allowed them to secure the victory, despite UL Monroe's valiant efforts to rally back. The Cardinals' win not only boosts their morale but also keeps them competitive as they look to improve their season record.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BALL -4.5 | 143.5 o -108 / u -112 | Ball State Cardinals -218 · UL Monroe Warhawks +180 |
Leaders
- PointsKrystian Lewis26UL Monroe Warhawks
- AssistsKrystian Lewis3UL Monroe Warhawks
- ReboundsLavell Brodnex13UL Monroe Warhawks
- PointsKayden Fish17Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsDavion Hill4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsMason Jones10Ball State Cardinals
Recent form
UL Monroe Warhawks
Last 10: 1-8-1Streak W161.5 scored · 73.9 allowed per game0-4 at home
- W85-79at Old Dominion MonarchsFeb 5
- L79-83vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersFeb 1
- D0-0vs Georgia Southern EaglesJan 30
- L43-59at App State MountaineersJan 23
- L60-115at Marshall Thundering HerdJan 22
- L57-77vs Georgia State PanthersJan 17
- L60-70at Southern Miss Golden EaglesJan 10
- L79-85at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsJan 9
- L79-84vs Texas State BobcatsJan 3
- L73-87vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesJan 1
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L267.4 scored · 69.6 allowed per game1-5 away
- 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
- L52-74vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 7
- L72-85at Buffalo BullsJan 3
- W93-30vs Earlham QuakersDec 30
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 |
| Troy | 22-12 | - | 12-6 |
| South Alabama | 21-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Arkansas State | 20-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Texas State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Marshall | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Coastal Carolina | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| App State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| James Madison | 18-15 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Southern Miss | 19-16 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Georgia Southern | 21-16 | 4 | 8-10 |
| Old Dominion | 12-21 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Louisiana | 11-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Georgia State | 10-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| UL Monroe | 4-28 | 11 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Ball State Cardinals | UL Monroe Warhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-62 | 18-48 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 5-16 | 2-18 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 11 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 30-36 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 24 |
| Assists | 10 | 7 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 26 |
| Fouls | 20 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-39Kayden Fish makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-39Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-39Kayden Fish makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-41Krystian Lewis makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half50-41Elmore James IV makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-42Krystian Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-43Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-43Armoni Zeigler makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half54-43Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-45Lavell Brodnex makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-46Lavell Brodnex makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-46Elmore James IV makes layup (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half56-48Lavell Brodnex makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half56-50Dylan Diaz makes layup (Krystian Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half58-50Elmore James IV makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half60-50Davion Hill makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-51Krystian Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-52Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-52Elmore James IV makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-54MJ Russell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-55MJ Russell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-56MJ Russell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-57Lavell Brodnex makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-57Devon Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-57Devon Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59MJ Russell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-59Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-60Krystian Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-61Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61Kayden Fish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-63Krystian Lewis makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-63Devon Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-63Devon Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Krystian Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Juwan Maxey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-65Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Dylan Diaz makes 24-foot three point jumper (Krystian Lewis assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UL Monroe Warhawks, below favours Ball State Cardinals.
Venue
- Fant-Ewing ColiseumMonroe, LA
- Attendance1521
- OfficialsTucson Grigg, Marvin Harris Jr., Jarrett Howell
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