MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State was looking to take down one of the MAC's top teams at Worthen Arena for the second time three games.
Akron came into Friday night's action a half game behind Toledo for the top spot in the standings. BSU had taken down Toledo with a big second half two weeks ago. This time it was the visiting team that surged after the break.
Ali Ali led five double-figure scorers for Akron in an 88-79 win to sweep the season series from Ball State (7-11, 5-8 MAC). Ishmael El-Amin scored 20 points to pace BSU, while Brachen Hazen scored a career-high 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting.