Payton Sparks recorded a dominant double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds, surpassing 1,000 career points, to lead the Ball State Cardinals to an 89-76 victory over Anderson University on Tuesday at Worthen Arena.
The Cardinals (6-6) started strong with an 8-0 run featuring a Mason Jones dunk and 3-pointers from Jones and Jeremiah Hernandez. However, Anderson responded and carried a 43-39 lead into halftime, capped by Sparks’ buzzer-beating triple.
In the second half, Ball State regained control with a 21-9 run to take a 60-52 lead at the 13:02 mark. Sparks scored 14 of his points and secured eight rebounds in the second period, including a pivotal putback with 4:26 remaining to reach the 1,000-point milestone.
Jermahri Hill led all scorers with 25 points on efficient shooting (3-for-5 from 3-point range, 12-for-14 at the line) while adding eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Hernandez chipped in 12 points and five assists, and Jones set a career-high with 11 rebounds while also contributing five points, four assists, and two steals.
Juanse Gorosito added nine points and five assists, and Ben Hendriks provided eight points and four rebounds for the Cardinals.
For Anderson, Tate Ivanyo paced the Ravens with 21 points, but the visitors struggled in the second half, shooting just 30.6 percent from the field and 19 percent from beyond the arc.
Ball State outrebounded Anderson 48-36 and capitalized on a 15-8 advantage in points off turnovers. The Cardinals shot 44.1 percent from the field, 34.6 percent from 3-point range, and 71.8 percent at the foul line.
With the win, Ball State extended its winning streak to three games heading into Mid-American Conference play. The Cardinals will open conference action on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Kent State.
