In an exhilarating basketball showdown, Ball State University emerged victorious against Buffalo with a decisive 89-76 win on Saturday night. The game, held in Buffalo, New York, saw a spectacular performance by Payton Sparks, who led the Cardinals to victory with an impressive 27 points. His formidable presence on the court was further accentuated by his 14 rebounds, solidifying his role as a key player for Ball State.
Supporting Sparks, Mickey Pearson Jr. contributed significantly with 19 points and seven rebounds, showcasing a balanced offensive and defensive strategy. Meanwhile, Jermahri Hill demonstrated exceptional skill by scoring 18 points, alongside a reliable free-throw shooting record, making all five attempts.
The Buffalo Bulls, struggling to gain momentum this season, found some redemption in Anquan Boldin Jr.'s performance. He led the Bulls with 16 points, incorporating three steals and two blocks into his play. Additionally, Bryson Wilson matched Boldin with 16 points, and Ryan Sabol added 12 points to the Bulls' total, along with contributing six rebounds and five assists.
The Cardinals' strategy became evident as they seized control of the game with 3:35 left in the first half. At this juncture, Ball State not only took the lead but also maintained it throughout the remainder of the game, heading into halftime with a comfortable 45-32 lead. Sparks played an instrumental role during this period, racking up 18 of his total points.
Upon resuming play in the second half, Ball State continued to assert dominance. A pivotal 7-0 run helped expand their lead from 10 to 17 points, effectively putting the game beyond the Bulls' reach. During this time, Pearson led the charge with the highest scoring output during the half, adding 11 points to his total tally.
This win marks a significant achievement for the Cardinals, who now sit at 10-11 overall and 4-5 in the Mid-American Conference standings. As for Buffalo, the game reflects ongoing challenges as they fall to 7-14 and 2-7 within the same conference.
The Associated Press compiled this report with technological insights provided by Data Skrive and statistics powered by Sportradar. Moving forward, Ball State will aim to build on this momentum, while Buffalo seeks to reassess and strategize for upcoming games in the season.