Halftime Report

After a tough loss on the road their last time out, Ball State looks much better today on their home court. A win is still up for grabs for either team after one quarter, but Ball State is up 39-36 over Indiana State.

Ball State came into the game with some extra motivation after the defeat they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off. We'll see if they're able to flip the script or if it'll just be more of the same.

Who's Playing

Indiana State Sycamores @ Ball State Cardinals

Current Records: Indiana State 1-2, Ball State 1-2

How To Watch

What to Know

The Indiana State Sycamores are headed away from home for the first time to take on the Ball State Cardinals at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday at Worthen Arena. Coming off a loss in a game the Sycamores were expected to win, they now face the more daunting task of proving themselves against unfavorable odds.

Last Tuesday, Indiana State couldn't handle SIUE and fell 77-72.

Despite their defeat, Indiana State saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Aaron Gray, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and ten rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. What's more, Gray also posted a 50% field goal percentage, which is the highest he's posted since back in January. Jahni Summers was another key player, earning 15 points.

Meanwhile, Ball State came up short against Dayton on Wednesday and fell 77-69.

Despite the loss, Ball State had strong showings from Jermahri Hill, who earned 25 points along with seven rebounds, and Ethan Brittain-Watts, who went 6 for 10 en route to 16 points.

Indiana State's defeat ended a six-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 1-2. As for Ball State, they now also have a losing record at 1-2.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Indiana State has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 41 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Ball State struggles in that department as they've been averaging 40.7. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Indiana State beat Ball State 83-72 when the teams last played back in December of 2023. Does Indiana State have another victory up their sleeve, or will Ball State turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.

Odds

Ball State is a solid 5.5-point favorite against Indiana State, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 5.5-point spread, and stayed right there.


The over/under is 153.5 points.

See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Indiana State has won 5 out of their last 9 games against Ball State.

  • Dec 16, 2023 - Indiana State 83 vs. Ball State 72
  • Nov 12, 2022 - Indiana State 83 vs. Ball State 71
  • Nov 27, 2021 - Ball State 97 vs. Indiana State 75
  • Dec 19, 2020 - Indiana State 67 vs. Ball State 57
  • Nov 17, 2019 - Ball State 69 vs. Indiana State 55
  • Nov 06, 2018 - Ball State 86 vs. Indiana State 69
  • Nov 25, 2017 - Ball State 93 vs. Indiana State 85
  • Nov 15, 2016 - Indiana State 80 vs. Ball State 74
  • Dec 22, 2015 - Indiana State 73 vs. Ball State 61