Ball State Edges Northern Illinois in Close Contest
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Worthen Arena
Ball State Cardinals 58, Northern Illinois Huskies 53, 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 Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals?
Ball State Cardinals beat Northern Illinois Huskies 58-53 at Worthen Arena on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals?
Ball State Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -265 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Ball State Cardinals narrowly defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies with a final score of 58-53 at Worthen Arena. This game was significant as both teams are struggling in the NCAAB season, with Ball State holding a home record of 7-13 and Northern Illinois at 6-13 overall. The Cardinals managed to secure their second consecutive victory, improving their recent form to 3-7 over their last ten games, while the Huskies fell to a similar record of 3-7 in their last ten outings, now on a one-game losing streak.
The Cardinals have shown a slight improvement in their scoring, averaging 71.4 points in their last ten games while allowing 71.6 points. In their last five games, they averaged 68.8 points scored and 75.6 points allowed. Their recent victories include a close win against the Central Michigan Chippewas, where they won 68-67, and a home victory against the Ohio Bobcats, 76-71. At home, Ball State has a record of 2-3 in their last five games.
On the other hand, Northern Illinois has averaged 72.7 points scored and 76.4 points allowed in their last ten games. Their recent form shows a drop in performance, with an average of just 68.0 points scored and 75.4 points allowed in the last five games. Their last win came against the Massachusetts Minutemen, where they edged out a 70-68 victory. However, they have struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-5 in their last five games.
Historically, the teams are evenly matched, with a head-to-head record of 1-1 in their previous two meetings during the 2025 season. Ball State won the most recent encounter on February 15, 2025, with a score of 89-83, while they lost the earlier game on January 25, 2025, 66-76.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details affecting either team, but both squads have been dealing with challenges throughout the season. The betting market, as listed by DraftKings, had Ball State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 141.5. The odds for Ball State's money line were -265.0, while Northern Illinois was at 215.0.
The game was played under typical indoor basketball conditions, which generally favor both teams equally. The final scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the match, with key contributions from players like Davion Hill, who made crucial free throws to secure the win for Ball State. The Cardinals' ability to maintain composure in the closing moments ultimately led to their victory.
Fans watching the game were treated to a display of competitive basketball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. Ball State's recent improvement and home advantage played a vital role in their success, while Northern Illinois will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BALL -5.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | Northern Illinois Huskies +215 · Ball State Cardinals -265 |
Leaders
- PointsDavion Hill18Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsDavion Hill3Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsDavion Hill8Ball State Cardinals
- PointsGianni Cobb11Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsGianni Cobb2Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsTaj Walters7Northern Illinois Huskies
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 3-7Streak W271.4 scored · 71.6 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L64-68vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 10
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 3-7Streak L172.7 scored · 76.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- L77-80at Ohio BobcatsJan 21
- W70-68vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 17
- L59-77at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 13
- L61-75vs Toledo RocketsJan 7
- L73-77at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 3
- L67-81vs Buffalo BullsDec 31
- W74-73vs Central Michigan ChippewasDec 20
- W112-64vs East West PhantomsDec 17
- L79-85at Elon PhoenixDec 13
- L55-84at Bradley BravesDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
| 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 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-52 | 21-47 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 4-28 | 5-18 |
| Three-point % | 14 | 28 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 11-18 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 61 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 24 |
| Assists | 7 | 9 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half17-25Makhai Valentine makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half18-25Makhai Valentine makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half20-25Isaiah Washington makes layup
- 1st Half20-27Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 1st Half20-29Devon Barnes makes layup (Davion Hill assists)
- 1st Half21-29Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-29Gustav Winther makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half22-31Armoni Zeigler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half22-34Armoni Zeigler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Devon Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half24-34Hassan Washington makes layup
- 2nd Half24-36Kayden Fish makes layup
- 2nd Half26-36Makhai Valentine makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half28-36Makhai Valentine makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half29-36Makhai Valentine makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-38Davion Hill makes layup (Kayden Fish assists)
- 2nd Half32-38Gianni Cobb makes 29-foot three point jumper (Gustav Winther assists)
- 2nd Half32-40Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-40Taj Walters makes 23-foot three point jumper (Makhai Valentine assists)
- 2nd Half35-42Davion Hill makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half35-43Cam Denson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-43Isaiah Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-43Isaiah Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-43Gianni Cobb makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Taj Walters assists)
- 2nd Half39-44Elmore James IV makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-45Elmore James IV makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-45Jaylen Wharton makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-46Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-47Kayden Fish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Makhai Valentine makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half44-50Armoni Zeigler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half46-50Hassan Washington makes layup
- 2nd Half46-52Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-54Davion Hill makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half47-54Hassan Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Hassan Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-56Kayden Fish makes 2-foot dunk (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half50-56Daemar Kelly makes layup
- 2nd Half53-56Dylan Ducommun makes 24-foot three point jumper (Daemar Kelly assists)
- 2nd Half53-57Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-58Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours Northern Illinois Huskies.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance4105
- OfficialsGreg Langsdorf, Steve Honacki, Tariq Lucas
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