Ball State Defeats Ohio in Close Contest
Friday, January 16, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Worthen Arena
Ball State Cardinals 76, Ohio Bobcats 71, 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 Ohio Bobcats vs Ball State Cardinals?
Ball State Cardinals beat Ohio Bobcats 76-71 at Worthen Arena on January 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Ohio Bobcats vs Ball State Cardinals?
Ohio Bobcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Worthen Arena, the Ball State Cardinals emerged victorious against the Ohio Bobcats with a final score of 76-71. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant turnaround for the Cardinals, who had been struggling with a recent record of 2-8 over their last ten games, including a four-game losing streak leading into this contest. The victory not only snapped their losing streak but also showcased their resilience, especially given their home record of 5-13 for the season.
On the other side, the Ohio Bobcats entered the game with a more favorable record of 10-9 and had been performing well, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games. However, they were coming off a loss to the Toledo Rockets, which may have affected their momentum. Despite their strong recent form, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize on their scoring average of 83.5 points per game in their last ten outings, falling short against a determined Ball State team.
The Cardinals had averaged 71.8 points scored and allowed 72.7 points over their last ten games, indicating a struggle defensively. In contrast, Ohio had been more prolific offensively, averaging 83.5 points while allowing 74.2 points. This difference in scoring dynamics set the stage for an intriguing battle, as both teams brought contrasting styles to the court.
Historically, the Cardinals had faced the Bobcats just once in the previous season, suffering a defeat with a score of 71-86. This previous meeting added an extra layer of motivation for Ball State as they sought to even the score on their home court.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their regular lineups, which is crucial for maintaining competitive integrity in such a closely contested game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Ohio favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 147.5. This indicates that the odds-makers anticipated a higher-scoring game, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams. However, the final score of 76-71 fell below the expected total, highlighting the defensive efforts of Ball State in limiting Ohio's scoring opportunities.
Conditions in Worthen Arena were conducive to a competitive game, with a lively atmosphere that likely energized the players. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth contest, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. Key moments included a series of free throws by Devon Barnes in the closing minutes, which helped seal the victory for Ball State.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to exciting plays, including a crucial turnaround jump shot by Armoni Zeigler that brought the score to a pivotal moment late in the second half. The final minutes were marked by tense free-throw exchanges, as both teams sought to capitalize on every opportunity.
Ultimately, Ball State's ability to execute under pressure and their strong defensive performance were instrumental in their victory over Ohio. This win not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OHIO -5.5 | 147.5 o -110 / u -110 | Ohio Bobcats -230 · Ball State Cardinals +190 |
Leaders
- PointsArmoni Zeigler28Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsArmoni Zeigler7Ball State Cardinals
- PointsAidan Hadaway22Ohio Bobcats
- AssistsJackson Paveletzke4Ohio Bobcats
- ReboundsAidan Hadaway7Ohio Bobcats
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 2-8Streak L471.8 scored · 72.7 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L52-64at Evansville Purple AcesDec 4
- W96-85vs Le Moyne DolphinsNov 30
Ohio Bobcats
Last 10: 8-2Streak L183.5 scored · 74.2 allowed per game2-1 away
- L85-101at Toledo RocketsJan 14
- W91-80vs Buffalo BullsJan 10
- W86-83vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 6
- W68-67at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 3
- W80-64at Central Michigan ChippewasDec 30
- W102-59vs Miami (OH) Hamilton HarriersDec 22
- L58-68vs Bowling Green FalconsDec 20
- W89-56vs Ohio Wesleyan Battling BishopsDec 17
- W88-83vs St. Bonaventure BonniesDec 13
- W88-81vs Marshall Thundering HerdDec 6
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 | Ohio Bobcats | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-54 | 22-51 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 4-16 | 7-19 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 37 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 25-31 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 21 |
| Assists | 7 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 28 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-50Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-52Cam Denson makes layup (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half43-52Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-52Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-54Aidan Hadaway makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-56Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-56Javan Simmons makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-57Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-58Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-59Preston Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-60Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-61Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-61Jackson Paveletzke makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-64Davion Hill makes 28-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half52-64Aidan Hadaway makes layup (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Jackson Paveletzke makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half54-65Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-66Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-66Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-67Mason Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-67Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-67Aidan Hadaway makes layup
- 2nd Half64-67Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-67Jackson Paveletzke makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half64-69Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-69Jackson Paveletzke makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half67-69Ajay Sheldon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-69Ajay Sheldon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-71Armoni Zeigler makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-71Javan Simmons makes layup
- 2nd Half70-72Mason Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73Devon Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Devon Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Devon Barnes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Devon Barnes makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours Ohio Bobcats.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance2505
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Gerald Williams, John Floyd
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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These two, other days
- Ohio Bobcats Defeat Ball State Cardinals 69-57Feb 17, 2026
- Ball State Cardinals Edge Ohio Bobcats 20-14Oct 4, 2025