Who's Playing

Central Michigan @ Ball State

Current Records: Central Michigan 5-14; Ball State 11-11

What to Know

The Ball State Cardinals and the Central Michigan Chippewas will face off in a Mid-American clash at 7 p.m. ET Feb. 8 at John E. Worthen Arena. Coming off of a win even when the odds were against them, the Cardinals have to be feeling especially confident now that the spread is in their favor.

Ball State was able to grind out a solid victory over the Toledo Rockets this past Friday, winning 93-83. Six players on Ball State scored in the double digits: center Payton Sparks (18), guard Luke Bumbalough (17), guard Demarius Jacobs (15), guard Tyler Cochran (15), forward Miryne Thomas (14), and guard Jaylin Sellers (11).

Meanwhile, CMU was expected to have a tough go of it this past Saturday, and, well, they did. They found themselves the reluctant recipients of an unfortunate 74-54 punch to the gut against the Buffalo Bulls.

This next matchup looks promising for Ball State, who are favored by a full 10.5 points. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (3-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.

Ball State's win brought them up to 11-11 while the Chippewas' loss pulled them down to 5-14. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before tip-off: The Cardinals are stumbling into the contest with the 15th most points allowed per game in college basketball, having given up 76.8 on average. CMU has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 351st worst in college basketball in points allowed per game, with 79 on average. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.

How To Watch

  • When: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: John E. Worthen Arena -- Muncie, Indiana
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $12.00

Odds

The Cardinals are a big 10.5-point favorite against the Chippewas, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 10.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -109

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Series History

Ball State have won seven out of their last 11 games against Central Michigan.

  • Feb 27, 2021 - Ball State 97 vs. Central Michigan 91
  • Mar 03, 2020 - Ball State 85 vs. Central Michigan 68
  • Jan 25, 2020 - Central Michigan 71 vs. Ball State 66
  • Feb 23, 2019 - Central Michigan 64 vs. Ball State 57
  • Jan 19, 2019 - Ball State 83 vs. Central Michigan 72
  • Feb 27, 2018 - Central Michigan 75 vs. Ball State 51
  • Jan 16, 2018 - Ball State 82 vs. Central Michigan 76
  • Feb 18, 2017 - Ball State 109 vs. Central Michigan 100
  • Jan 17, 2017 - Ball State 98 vs. Central Michigan 83
  • Mar 01, 2016 - Central Michigan 65 vs. Ball State 57
  • Feb 13, 2016 - Ball State 75 vs. Central Michigan 63