Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Ball State Cardinals Picks & Predictions for Saturday December 20 2025
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The unbeaten Miami (OH) RedHawks hit the road to open MAC play as they face the Ball State Cardinals at Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. This conference matchup tips off at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with live coverage on ESPN+. Miami (OH) enters with a perfect record, while Ball State looks to regroup at home. For more betting insight across the college hoops slate, be sure to check out these free college basketball picks.
Miami (OH) RedHawks: Perfection Through Eleven Games
Miami (OH) comes into this contest sporting an impressive 11-0 record, riding an 11-game winning streak to start the season. The RedHawks have shown consistency both at home and on the road, with recent wins at Wright State (83-76), Eastern Kentucky (79-69), and UNC Asheville (90-87 OT), along with dominant home victories over Maine (93-61) and IU East (109-65). They have proven they can win close games and blowouts alike.
Statistically, Miami (OH) has been outstanding on both ends of the floor. The RedHawks average 92.3 points per game while allowing just 69.6 PPG, pairing efficiency with defensive discipline. They shoot an elite 53% from the field, grab 37.5 rebounds per game, and dish out 17.2 assists. Defensively, they add 3.5 blocks and 8.4 steals, helping fuel their transition offense.
Leading the way is Evan Ipsaro, who tops the team with 14.8 PPG while shooting 57.3% from the field and 81.6% from the free-throw line. Ipsaro’s efficiency and steady scoring have been key to Miami (OH)’s perfect start.
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Ball State Cardinals: Searching for Answers
Ball State enters this matchup with a 3-8 record and is currently on a three-game losing streak. The Cardinals have struggled to find consistency, dropping recent games to Campbell (69-64), South Dakota State (68-64), and Evansville (64-52). Their lone win in the last five came against Le Moyne (96-85), but overall results have been uneven.
From a statistical standpoint, Ball State averages 64.9 points per game, nearly 27 points fewer than Miami (OH), while allowing 69.4 PPG. They shoot just 40% from the field, pull down 33.6 rebounds, and average 12.5 assists. While their defensive numbers are respectable, the offense has struggled to keep pace with opponents.
The Cardinals are led by Davion Hill, who averages 11.2 PPG on 43.4% shooting and 67.9% from the free-throw line. Ball State will need more scoring support and improved efficiency to stay competitive in this matchup.
Key Points To Watch For
- Unbeaten vs struggling: Miami (OH) is 11-0, while Ball State is 3-8 and on a skid.
- Offensive gap: Miami (OH) averages 92.3 PPG, compared to Ball State’s 64.9 PPG.
- Efficiency edge: RedHawks shoot 53%, Cardinals just 40%.
- Home court factor: Ball State plays at Worthen Arena, but Miami (OH) has already proven it can win on the road.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Ball State Cardinals Pick
My best pick is Miami (OH) to win and cover the spread. I trust the RedHawks’ balance on both ends of the floor and their ability to score efficiently against a Ball State team that has struggled offensively all season. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Miami (OH) with the Fliff promo code. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on Ball State. Make sure when you place your Miami (OH) vs Ball State bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
My lean is toward Miami (OH) team total over, as their average of 92.3 points per game matches up well against a Ball State defense that has allowed similar scoring outputs despite the Cardinals’ slower pace.
Overall, I see Miami (OH) controlling the tempo, pulling away in the second half, and continuing their unbeaten run.
Final Score Prediction:
Miami (OH) 86, Ball State 66
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