MUNCIE - A balanced offense, an all-conference player returns and a stifling defensive effort lifted the Ball State men's basketball team to a 78-58 win over Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Worthen Arena. Miryne Thomas scored 20 points and had a team-leading seven rebounds as five different Cardinals scored at least nine points.
The blowout win was the team's second this week, as the Cards beat Bowling Green by 24 on Tuesday before Saturday's 20-point win. Ball State (6-5) is now 4-2 in MAC play and holds third place in the standings outright.