Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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The Ball State Cardinals head to Mount Pleasant to face the Central Michigan Chippewas on Tuesday night in a MAC matchup between two teams tied for last place in the conference standings. Ball State is 5–13 overall and 1–5 in MAC play after a 76–71 home win over Ohio, while Central Michigan is also 5–13 overall and 1–5 in conference action following a 100–61 road loss at Miami (OH). Cash in with our free college basketball picks.
Ball State vs Central Michigan Game Information
- Date: Tuesday, January 20
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: McGuirk Arena, Mount Pleasant, MI
- TV: ESPN+
Ball State Cardinals Preview
Ball State relies on its backcourt to create offense and has been at its best when it keeps the game controlled and avoids scoreless possessions. Armoni Zeigler leads the Cardinals with an average of 12.7 points per game and also tops the team in rebounds (4.9) and assists (2.9) per game, making him the clear leader on offense. Davion Hill gives Ball State another steady scoring option at 12.2 points per game, and the Cardinals typically need at least one of those guards to perform well early to keep pace.
On defense, Ball State allows 70.8 points per game and has shown it can stay competitive when it forces turnovers and turns stops into easy transition chances. Mason Jones is the team’s steals leader, while Preston Copeland leads the way in blocks. Injuries: Ball State does not have any players on its injury report.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 68.4
- Points Allowed: 70.8
- Rebounds: 31.8
- Assists: 12.8
- Steals: 7.8
- Blocks: 2.6
- Turnovers: 10.9
Central Michigan Chippewas Preview
Central Michigan has been able to score enough to be competitive at times, but the Chippewas have struggled to get consistent defensive results in conference play. Nathan Claerbaut leads the team at 12.7 points per game and adds 6.2 rebounds, giving Central Michigan a reliable interior presence and a steady option each time down the court. Tamario Adley (11.4 ppg) and Phat Phat Brooks (team-high 4.3 assists) help drive the offense, and the Chippewas generally look best when they can get multiple contributors involved instead of leaning on one scorer.
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Defense remains the biggest obstacle, as Central Michigan is allowing 79.9 points per game and has struggled to contain dribble penetration and second-chance opportunities. Claerbaut is the team’s blocks leader at 1.5 per game, but overall, stops have been hard to sustain when the pace rises. Injuries: Central Michigan does not have any players on its injury report.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 72.1
- Points Allowed: 79.9
- Rebounds: 33.0
- Assists: 15.1
- Steals: 6.4
- Blocks: 4.3
- Turnovers: 12.6
Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction
Both teams are in the same spot in the MAC standings, but Ball State has a better opportunity to win if it can keep Central Michigan from turning the game into a track meet. If the Cardinals control tempo and make Central Michigan execute in the half-court, Ball State will have the edge late in the game when possessions matter the most. Final Score Prediction: Ball State Cardinals win and cover ATS, 73-68.
Best Picks
- Ball State Cardinals
- Under
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