Eastern Michigan Eagles Defeat Ball State Cardinals 74-52
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Worthen Arena
Eastern Michigan Eagles 74, Ball State Cardinals 52, 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 Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Ball State Cardinals?
Eastern Michigan Eagles beat Ball State Cardinals 74-52 at Worthen Arena on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Ball State Cardinals?
Ball State Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup, the Eastern Michigan Eagles triumphed over the Ball State Cardinals with a final score of 74-52 at Worthen Arena. This victory marks a continuation of the Eagles' efforts to improve their season record, moving to 9-8 overall, while the Cardinals fell to 4-12. The game showcased the Eagles' ability to dominate, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Cardinals significantly.
The Cardinals have struggled recently, holding a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, with an average of 68.0 points scored and 69.2 points allowed per game. Their recent form includes a loss to the Buffalo Bulls, where they scored 72 points but allowed 85. In contrast, the Eagles' recent performance has been slightly better, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 68.5 points scored and 71.5 points allowed. Their last outing resulted in a narrow loss to the Ohio Bobcats, 67-68.
At home, the Cardinals have managed a 2-3 record, while their away record stands at 0-5. The Eagles, on the other hand, have a home record of 3-1 but have struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. This game was particularly important for both teams as they sought to gain momentum in the league.
The previous meeting between these two teams took place on February 12, 2025, where the Cardinals edged out the Eagles with a close 86-84 victory. However, this time around, the Eagles were able to flip the script and secure a solid win, demonstrating their growth since the last encounter.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams could have been influenced by player availability and health. The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings offering the Eagles as slight underdogs at +1.5 and a moneyline of +100. The Cardinals were favored at -1.5 with a moneyline of -120. The total for the game was set at 137.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
The game conditions were typical for a winter evening in Indiana, with both teams likely facing the usual challenges of indoor play. Fans were treated to a display of skill as the Eagles executed several impressive plays, including a notable 25-foot three-point shot by Gregory Lawson II and a driving layup by Merritt Alderink.
As the game progressed, the Eagles maintained a significant lead, with their scoring plays showcasing a mix of three-point shooting and strong drives to the basket. The Cardinals struggled to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where they managed only 20 points compared to the Eagles' 40.
Overall, this game illustrated the current state of both programs, with the Eagles showing signs of improvement and the Cardinals continuing to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BALL -1.5 | 137.5 o -110 / u -110 | Eastern Michigan Eagles +100 · Ball State Cardinals -120 |
Leaders
- PointsArmoni Zeigler15Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsMason Jones5Ball State Cardinals
- PointsCarlos Hart18Eastern Michigan Eagles
- AssistsCarlos Hart3Eastern Michigan Eagles
- ReboundsMohammad Habhab9Eastern Michigan Eagles
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 2-8Streak L168 scored · 69.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- W96-85vs Le Moyne DolphinsNov 30
- L37-55at Lafayette LeopardsNov 29
- L73-80vs Monmouth HawksNov 28
- L52-70at Indiana State SycamoresNov 23
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Last 10: 4-6Streak L168.5 scored · 71.5 allowed per game1-5 away
- L67-68vs Ohio BobcatsJan 3
- W80-74vs Massachusetts MinutemenDec 31
- L64-70at Wright State RaidersDec 23
- L72-93at Akron ZipsDec 20
- L65-80at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 11
- W86-48vs Cleary University CougarsDec 6
- L68-84at Butler BulldogsDec 3
- W73-55vs NJIT HighlandersNov 28
- W64-56at Cincinnati BearcatsNov 27
- L46-87at Louisville CardinalsNov 25
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 | Eastern Michigan Eagles | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-50 | 17-51 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 11-21 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 52 | 31 |
| Free throws | 5-6 | 13-15 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 18 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 11 |
| Assists | 16 | 10 |
| Steals | 1 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 18 |
| Fouls | 17 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 31 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 73 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-22Addison Patterson makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 1st Half30-22Carlos Hart makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half33-22Mak Manciel makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mohammad Habhab assists)
- 1st Half33-23Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half35-23Addison Patterson makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half37-23Mak Manciel makes layup (Mohammad Habhab assists)
- 1st Half37-24Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half37-25Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half39-25Addison Patterson makes layup (Mehki Ellison assists)
- 2nd Half40-25Mohammad Habhab makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-25Carlos Hart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-25Carlos Hart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-25Carlos Hart makes 28-foot three point jumper (Braelon Green assists)
- 2nd Half48-25Addison Patterson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braelon Green assists)
- 2nd Half48-28Davion Hill makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-28Carlos Hart makes layup (Braelon Green assists)
- 2nd Half50-30Elmore James IV makes driving layup (Devon Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half52-30Addison Patterson makes 13-foot jumper (Jon Sanders II assists)
- 2nd Half54-30Jon Sanders II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-30Jon Sanders II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mak Manciel assists)
- 2nd Half59-30John Shanu II makes 3-foot dunk (Mohammad Habhab assists)
- 2nd Half59-32Mason Jones makes layup (Cam Denson assists)
- 2nd Half62-32Mehki Ellison makes 22-foot three point jumper (Carlos Hart assists)
- 2nd Half62-34Elmore James IV makes layup (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half64-34John Shanu II makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half64-36Armoni Zeigler makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-37Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-38Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-41Elmore James IV makes 23-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half66-41Gregory Lawson II makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-41Merritt Alderink makes 23-foot three point jumper (Aidan Rubio assists)
- 2nd Half69-42Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-43Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-43Merritt Alderink makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-43Gregory Lawson II makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half74-46Kody Clancy makes 29-foot three point jumper (Devon Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half74-48Jai Anthoni Bearden makes driving layup (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half74-50Devon Barnes makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half74-51Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-52Jai Anthoni Bearden makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours Eastern Michigan Eagles.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance2354
- OfficialsSteve McJunkins, Mike O'Neill, Michael Griffith
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