DEKALB, Ill. -- Much of what the Ball State men's basketball team has worked for throughout this 18-game Mid-American Conference grind was on the line Friday night.
A chance for a MAC West Division championship. An opportunity to punch a ticket straight to Cleveland with a first-round bye in the MAC Tournament. It was a simple formula: The Cardinals just had to win.
And a resounding win it was. On the strength of one of its more efficient shooting performances and a stifling defensive effort, Ball State blew it open in the second half for a 75-54 victory at the NIU Convocation Center.