Person's last-second 3 lifts Ball St over Valparaiso 71-70
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Tayler Persons scored 23 points, including seven straight down the stretch and the game-winning 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left, and Ball State beat Valparaiso 71-70 on Saturday to win its fifth straight.
The Crusaders regained the lead 60-56 after an 11-2 run capped by Bakari Evelyn's 3-pointer, but the Cardinals led 68-67 on Persons' jumper with 2:08 to go.
Max Joseph hit two free throws for a 69-68 Valparaiso lead and Jon Kiser added one of two to make it 70-68 with 14 seconds left. Trey Moses got the defensive rebound and Persons drained a 3 from the top of the key to win it. Valpo's shot at the buzzer bounced off the backboard.
Persons hit a game-winning 3 with 1.7 seconds left to upset No. 9 Notre Dame 80-77 on Tuesday.
Kyle Mallers, Moses and Jeremie Tyler scored 10 apiece for the Cardinals (6-4) who trailed 31-29 at halftime. Persons had five assists and Moses had six.
Joe Burton scored 17 points with four 3-pointers, Evelyn added 14 points and Derrik Smits had 12 for the Crusaders (8-2).
Game Information
- Referees:
- Glenn Mayborg
- Frank Spencer
- Tim Stewart
2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State | 2-0 | - | 8-4 |
| Drake | 1-0 | 0.5 | 11-0 |
| Bradley | 1-0 | 0.5 | 10-2 |
| Belmont | 1-0 | 0.5 | 9-3 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-0 | 0.5 | 7-5 |
| Murray State | 1-1 | 1 | 6-5 |
| Illinois State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 8-4 |
| UIC | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-4 |
| Missouri State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Valparaiso | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 0-1 | 1.5 | 5-7 |
| Evansville | 0-1 | 1.5 | 3-9 |
2024-25 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State | 0-0 | - | 8-3 |
| Akron | 0-0 | - | 7-4 |
| Miami (OH) | 0-0 | - | 7-4 |
| Eastern Michigan | 0-0 | - | 6-5 |
| Toledo | 0-0 | - | 6-5 |
| Ball State | 0-0 | - | 5-6 |
| Buffalo | 0-0 | - | 5-6 |
| Central Michigan | 0-0 | - | 5-6 |
| Ohio | 0-0 | - | 5-6 |
| Bowling Green | 0-0 | - | 5-7 |
| Northern Illinois | 0-0 | - | 3-8 |
| Western Michigan | 0-0 | - | 3-8 |
Men's College Basketball News
