Ball State came out of the gate hustling and hitting shots and had enough depth to go the distance against a tough Valparaiso squad, 69 to 66, this (Sat.) afternoon in Worthen Arena.  Ball State’s bench outscored the Crusaders bench 24 to 4 in the win.  Bo Calhoun led Ball State scoring with 15 points; Franko House contributed 14 points, along with eight rebounds.  Valpo’s Alec Peters led all scorers with 28 points.

A crowd of only 2,447 witnessed what was described by fans in the stands as a fun, exciting game.  Ball State is 5-and-2 on the season; Valpo, which defeated Oregon State on Tuesday, is 6-and-2.  The Cards out rebounded the Crusaders 37 to 32, and shot 46% from the field to Valpo’s 40%.

Next up for Ball State is a Tuesday night home game against IUPUI.  Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Ball State’s Ryan Weber (33) is fouled on a rebound by Valparaiso’s Shane Hammink in first half action.  Ball State won 69-66.

IPR photo by Stan Sollars