Recap: Western Mich vs. Ball State

Kalamazoo, MI (Sports Network) - Flenard Whitfield scored 12 points to pace five players in double figures as the Western Michigan Broncos bested the Ball State Cardinals 69-63 in a first round game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at University Arena.

Demetrius Ward added 11 points for the eighth-seeded Broncos (13-19), who will face 12th-seeded Northern Illinois Wednesday night in Cleveland in the second round. Shayne Whittington, Matt Stainbrook, and Austin Richie provided 10 points each. Stainbrook also grabbed nine rebounds.

Jesse Berry scored 19 points for the ninth-seeded Cardinals (15-15). Jauwan Scaife provided 14 points and Jarrod Jones finished with six rebounds.

Western Michigan overcame a nine-point deficit early on to lead 33-30 at halftime. The Broncos shot 47.8 percent from the floor in the first half, while Ball State was 10-of-26 from the floor, including just 2-of-13 from long range.

Western Michigan led by as many as 10 after halftime.

The Broncos had a 35-26 edge on the glass.