Evansville Purple Aces @ Ball State Cardinals
Sparks scores 20 off the bench, Ball State knocks off Evansville 80-43
MUNCIE, Ind. -- — Payton Sparks scored 20 points off of the bench to lead Ball State past Evansville 80-43 on Saturday.
Sparks had five rebounds for the Cardinals (5-6). Jermahri Hill added 13 points while going 5 of 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) while he also had eight rebounds and four steals. Jeremiah Hernandez had 12 points and shot 3 of 9 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line.
Michael Day led the Purple Aces (3-9) in scoring, finishing with 13 points. Evansville also got 11 points and seven rebounds from Tanner Cuff. Gui Tesch also recorded five points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Game Information
Muncie, IN
Referee:Todd Von Sossan
Referee:Chris Beaver
Referee:Kenneth Moreland
2025-26 Standings
| Missouri Valley ConferenceMissouri Valley Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 16-4 | - | 26-5 |
| Bradley | 13-7 | 3 | 20-11 |
| Illinois State | 12-8 | 4 | 20-11 |
| Murray State | 12-8 | 4 | 20-11 |
| UIC | 12-8 | 4 | 17-14 |
| Northern Iowa | 11-9 | 5 | 19-12 |
| Valparaiso | 11-9 | 5 | 17-14 |
| Southern Illinois | 10-10 | 6 | 16-15 |
| Drake | 6-14 | 10 | 12-19 |
| Indiana State | 4-16 | 12 | 11-20 |
| Evansville | 3-17 | 13 | 7-24 |
| Mid-American ConferenceMid-American Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 16-0 | - | 29-0 |
| Akron | 15-1 | 1 | 24-5 |
| Kent State | 12-4 | 4 | 21-8 |
| Toledo | 10-6 | 6 | 16-13 |
| Ohio | 9-7 | 7 | 15-14 |
| Bowling Green | 8-9 | 8.5 | 17-13 |
| Buffalo | 6-10 | 10 | 16-13 |
| Central Michigan | 6-10 | 10 | 10-19 |
| Massachusetts | 6-11 | 10.5 | 15-15 |
| Ball State | 5-11 | 11 | 10-19 |
| Western Michigan | 4-12 | 12 | 10-19 |
| Eastern Michigan | 4-12 | 12 | 10-19 |
| Northern Illinois | 4-12 | 12 | 9-19 |
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