HONOLULU -- The backcourt duo of Ishmael El-Amin and Luke Bumbalough sparked Ball State offensively as the Cardinals shook off an unremarkable first half for a 61-46 Christmas victory over Portland on the final day of the Diamond Head Classic.
El-Amin racked up 15 of his team-high 18 points in the second half, and Luke Bumbalough scored all 14 of his after the break. Ball State (7-6) outscored Portland 42-27 over the final 20 minutes to pull away in a game that was tied at the half.
It was the end of a long trip for the Cardinals who won a week ago at Georgia Tech before traveling to Hawaii for three games in four days.