MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) -Jarrod Jones had 21 points and 13 rebounds Saturday in Ball State's 72-59 season-opening victory over Eastern Illinois.
The Cardinals jumped to a 23-6 lead in the first 8 minutes of the game, took their biggest lead at 37-18 on a layup by Jones late in the first half and coasted the rest of the way until a late rally in the game's closing minutes.
Eastern pulled within 60-54 with 3 minutes to go before a basket by Anthony Newell started an 8-0 run that put the game out of reach.
Newell finished with 19 points.
Eastern was led by Roman Martin with 17 points.
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