Recap: Ball State vs. Central Mich

Muncie, IN (Sports Network) - Jesse Berry led the way with 15 points as the Ball State Cardinals defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas, 71-52, in a Mid- American Conference matchup at Worthen Arena.

Chris Bond added 13 points for the Cardinals (14-14, 5-10 MAC), while Randy Davis finished with 12 points. Tyrae Robinson chipped in 10 points and Jarrod Jones pulled down 10 rebounds.

For the Chippewas (9-20, 4-11) Andre Coimbra posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds and Trey Zeigler added 14 points.

Central Michigan struggled with its shooting in the first half, making just 31.6 percent of its field goals, including 2-of-11 from three-point range. Conversely, Ball State shot very well, connecting on 60 percent from the field and making all 3-of-3 from three-point range to take a 32-26 lead into the intermission.

The second half played out just like the first. The Cardinals shot 56.5 percent from the field, while the Chippewas could manage just 29 percent. Leading by just seven with fourteen minutes to play, Ball State used a 16-5 run to put the game away, as they coasted to the easy victory, snapping a nine-game conference losing streak in the process.

Ball State outscored Central Michigan 15-5 from the free-throw line. The Cardinals held a slight, 38-37, rebounding edge.