South Dakota State Edges Ball State in Close Contest
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Worthen Arena
South Dakota State Jackrabbits 68, Ball State Cardinals 64, 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 South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Ball State Cardinals?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits beat Ball State Cardinals 68-64 at Worthen Arena on December 9, 2025.
Who was favored in South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Ball State Cardinals?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits defeated the Ball State Cardinals 68-64 at Worthen Arena on December 10, 2025. This victory is notable as it reflects South Dakota State's ability to secure a win on the road, improving their away record to 3-3, while Ball State continues to struggle, now holding a home record of 3-3.
The game was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing their strengths. South Dakota State entered the game with a record of 6-5, having faced a mixed bag of performances in their last ten games, where they recorded a 5-5 record. Their scoring average in that span was 72.9 points per game, while allowing 66.5 points. In contrast, Ball State's recent form has been less favorable, with a 3-7 record over their last ten games, averaging 65.2 points scored and 70.5 points allowed.
At home, Ball State has struggled to maintain consistency, suffering from a recent loss to Evansville Purple Aces, which marked their first defeat following a win against Le Moyne Dolphins. Their last five games have seen them win just once, averaging 62.0 points scored while allowing 70.8 points. South Dakota State, despite their recent loss to Idaho Vandals, has shown resilience, particularly with a strong offensive showing against Georgia State Panthers earlier in the season, where they scored 105 points.
In terms of previous meetings, this game was significant as both teams sought to establish dominance, with South Dakota State looking to build on their recent performances. The Jackrabbits' last five games have yielded a record of 2-3, with an average of 73.0 points scored and 68.6 points allowed, indicating their capability to score effectively while also being vulnerable defensively.
Injury reports leading up to the game indicated no major absences that would significantly impact either team’s performance. Both squads were expected to field their key players, allowing for a competitive match-up.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored South Dakota State with a spread of 5.5 points, indicating a belief in their ability to win by a margin. The total points line was set at 142.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. The moneyline odds showed South Dakota State at -250, while Ball State was listed at +205, further emphasizing the Jackrabbits as the favored team.
Conditions in Worthen Arena were typical for a basketball game, with a lively atmosphere as fans gathered to support their teams. The competitive spirit was palpable, contributing to an engaging environment for players and spectators alike.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Kayden Fish, assisted by Armoni Zeigler, which helped South Dakota State maintain their lead. Devon Barnes contributed with free throws that incrementally added to their score, while Damon Wilkinson's layup, assisted by Joe Sayler, kept the momentum in favor of the Jackrabbits. Ball State's Joey Hart responded with a layup and a three-point jumper, demonstrating their fight to stay in contention.
In the closing moments, Jaden Jackson's successful free throws sealed the victory for South Dakota State, underscoring their clutch performance under pressure. With this win, South Dakota State continues to build confidence as they progress through the season, while Ball State will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDST -5.5 | 142.5 o -112 / u -108 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits -250 · Ball State Cardinals +205 |
Leaders
- PointsJoey Hart18Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler5Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsKayden Fish9Ball State Cardinals
- PointsKalen Garry15South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- AssistsKalen Garry7South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- ReboundsKalen Garry8South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 3-7Streak L165.2 scored · 70.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- L62-68vs Little Rock TrojansNov 16
- L55-86at Wisconsin BadgersNov 12
- W84-54vs Mansfield MountaineersNov 8
- W75-64vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsNov 4
- L66-79at Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 7
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Last 10: 5-5Streak L172.9 scored · 66.5 allowed per game2-3 away
- L81-84vs Idaho VandalsDec 6
- W75-62at Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 4
- L52-64at UC Irvine AnteatersNov 27
- L52-75vs Utah Valley WolverinesNov 25
- W105-58vs Georgia State PanthersNov 22
- W94-46vs Peru State PERU STATENov 18
- L69-83at Oregon DucksNov 13
- L58-65at Northern Iowa PanthersNov 9
- W68-62vs Dakota State TrojansNov 7
- W75-66at Merrimack WarriorsNov 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 27-8 | - | 14-2 |
| St. Thomas | 24-10 | 2 | 12-4 |
| North Dakota | 18-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| South Dakota | 16-16 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Omaha | 16-17 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Denver | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| South Dakota State | 14-18 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Oral Roberts | 10-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
| Kansas City | 4-27 | 13 | 1-15 |
| 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 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-57 | 22-61 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 6-27 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 22 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 18 | 18 |
| Steals | 2 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 32 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 35 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-31Elmore James IV made Free Throw.
- 1st Half31-31Matthew Mors made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Joe Sayler.
- 1st Half31-33Armoni Zeigler made Layup.
- 1st Half32-33Alec Squires made Free Throw.
- 1st Half33-33Alec Squires made Free Throw.
- 1st Half33-35Davion Hill made Layup.
- 1st Half33-36Davion Hill made Free Throw.
- 1st Half36-36Jaden Jackson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Matthew Mors.
- 1st Half36-38Preston Copeland made Layup. Assisted by Davion Hill.
- 1st Half39-38Kalen Garry made Three Point Jumper.
- 1st Half39-39Juwan Maxey made Free Throw.
- 1st Half39-40Juwan Maxey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half39-42Preston Copeland made Layup. Assisted by Joey Hart.
- 2nd Half41-42Matthew Mors made Jumper.
- 2nd Half43-42Damon Wilkinson made Layup. Assisted by Kalen Garry.
- 2nd Half43-44Kayden Fish made Layup. Assisted by Juwan Maxey.
- 2nd Half46-44Matthew Mors made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kalen Garry.
- 2nd Half46-45Juwan Maxey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-46Juwan Maxey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-48Elmore James IV made Layup. Assisted by Juwan Maxey.
- 2nd Half48-48Jaden Jackson made Layup.
- 2nd Half51-48Joe Sayler made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Caleb Delzell.
- 2nd Half53-48Joe Sayler made Jumper. Assisted by Caleb Delzell.
- 2nd Half53-50Joey Hart made Layup. Assisted by Davion Hill.
- 2nd Half53-53Davion Hill made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-53Jaden Jackson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kalen Garry.
- 2nd Half58-53Kalen Garry made Layup.
- 2nd Half60-53Kalen Garry made Jumper.
- 2nd Half62-53Damon Wilkinson made Dunk. Assisted by Jaden Jackson.
- 2nd Half62-54Devon Barnes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-54Alec Squires made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-54Alec Squires made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-57Kayden Fish made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Armoni Zeigler.
- 2nd Half64-58Devon Barnes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-59Devon Barnes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-59Damon Wilkinson made Layup. Assisted by Joe Sayler.
- 2nd Half66-61Joey Hart made Layup. Assisted by Armoni Zeigler.
- 2nd Half66-64Joey Hart made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half67-64Jaden Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-64Jaden Jackson made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance2412
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Chad Barlow, Jourdan Love
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond