Thomas scores 22 points, leads Bucknell over Ball St. 87-83

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Zach Thomas scored 22 points, Stephen Brown added 19 and Bucknell defeated Ball State 87-83 on Wednesday night.

Thomas was 5-of-14 shooting from the field and made 12 of 14 free throws. Brown was 8 of 14 from the floor. Nana Foulland added 16 points for Bucknell (2-4). Bruce Moore scored six of his nine points in the final three minutes to help the Bison pull away.

Tayler Persons scored 21 points to lead Ball State (1-4). Kyle Mallers and Zach Gunn added 13 points apiece.

Moore's layup with 2:43 to play capped a 7-0 spurt that gave the Bison an 80-79 lead. The Cardinals regained the lead on Persons' layup, but Moore answered with a pair of free throws and a dunk as Bucknell closed the game on a 7-2 surge.