Rally Falls Short vs. Ohio

MUNCIE - Down double figures early in the game, the Ball State men's basketball team rallied to take the lead but Ohio made the plays late to win 78-68 at Worthen Arena on Saturday afternoon. Ball State (4-4) is now 2-1 in MAC play with a home game coming Tuesday vs. Western Michigan.

Ishmael El-Amin led BSU with 18 points while Miryne Thomas had his best game as a Cardinal with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

THE TURNING POINT: After a putback by Brachen Hazen cut Ohio's lead to 68-64, Ohio made a final push. The visitors scored the next six points in three straight possessions to go up 74-64 with 2:47 left. A dunk by Thomas got the Cardinals within 74-68 with 1:30 left, but Ohio…