Ball State’s rookie head coach Michael Lewis led his ascending Cardinals to northwest Ohio to battle with the 2022 MAC regular season champions, the Toledo Rockets in the headlining matchup of MAC basketball opening night.
After the Rockets’ star forward JT Shumate connected on a field goal on the game’s first possession, the Cardinals grabbed a hold of the game, and did not let up, with an onslaught of offense and an active defensive effort exhibited by Ball State stymieing Tod Kowalczyk’s veteran Toledo squad.
Although the Rockets drew the game within two points late in the second half, clutch free throws and defensive stands ensured that the Cardinals would hang on to their lead, securing them a statement 90-83 triumph in Savage Arena.