December 2, 2006
Men’s Basketball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SYCAMORE FALL IN OT AT BALL STATE

Muncie, Ind. - Jay Tunnell’s (Topeka, KS) 20 points and 12 rebounds were not enough as Ball State handed the Sycamores a tough road loss, 73-70 in overtime in Muncie Saturday afternoon.

The Sycamores (4-3) sent this one into overtime as Gabe Moore (Little Rock, Ark) hit a three-pointer from the left wing with six seconds left to tie it at 64.  Moore finished with a season high 19 points, including 4-7 from three.

In the extra frame, D’Andre Peyton three pointer with 15 seconds left gave Ball State (3-4) a 72-69 lead.  It was Peyton’s second three of his career.  Moore then followed hitting one of two from the line with eight seconds left.  ISU fouled immediately and Anthony Newell got the lead back to three with seven seconds left, hitting 1-2 from the charity stripe.  The Sycamores quickly raced down the floor, but Moore’s desperation three fell short.

Ball State’s biggest lead of the contest was at six 25-19 with 3:23 left in the first half, but the Sycamores closed the first half on an 8-2 run and it was tied at 27 at the break.  There were 15 ties in the contest and 17 lead changes with no lead getting bigger than five in the second half.

Indiana State shot 53.2% from the field while the Cardinals were at 36.4%.  The Sycamores out rebounded the Cardinals 38-37 but went just 12-21 from the free throw line compared to Ball State’s 20-29.

Tunnell, Moore, and Marico Stinson (Memphis, TN) each scored in double figures.  Stinson finished with 12. 

The Sycamores will take a week off before hosting 18th ranked Butler Saturday night at the Hulman Center.  Tip off is set for 7:05pm.

                       

                                                            ****

 

** Jay Tunnell had his first career double-double.  His 20 point, 12 rebound effort were also career highs.

 

** It was the Sycamores first overtime game this season and there first since January 18, 2006 against Drake.  ISU went 2-1 in extra frame games last season, all at the Hulman Center.

 

** The 53.2% shooting from the field was a season high.  It was also only the second time this season that ISU has shot 50% or better.  The other, also on the road, at IP-Fort Wayne (50%).  The 8 three’s tied a season high (Western Michigan) and the 18 assists was a season high.  The previous was 15 against Oakland City.