MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -Jordan Bitzer tied a career-high with 21 points, leading Central Michigan to a 71-65 win over Ball State on Saturday.
Central Michigan (4-11, 1-2 Mid-American) never trailed after taking a 27-23 halftime lead. Ball States Brandon Lampley's 3-pointer with 1:17 to play capped a 7-0 run and cut Central Michigan's lead to 65-63. But Ball State (7-8, 2-1) wouldn't get any closer, as Central Michigan sank their final six free-throws to seal the win.
Bitzer scored 21 points for the second straight game and added five rebounds. Bitzer was 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 3-pointers.
Robbie Harman added 15 points and six assists for Central Michigan, while Jacolby Hardiman had 10 points and six rebounds.
Laron Frazier had 18 points off the bench to lead Ball State, as the Cardinals bench outscored Central Michigan 36-13. Jarrod Jones added 15 points for the Cardinals, while Lampley had 14 points.
