Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction 1/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ball State Cardinals and Central Michigan Chippewas meet Tuesday in the college basketball action at the McGuirk Arena. Here’s a Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction. This article will include a Ball State vs Central Michigan Pick.

Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview

The Ball State Cardinals lost to Akron, beat Ohio, and they play Northern Illinois next. Ball State has lost 8 of its last 10 games.

The Ball State Cardinals are averaging 68.4 points on 42.2 percent shooting and allowing 70.8 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Armoni Zeigler is averaging 12.7 points and 2.9 assists, while Davion Hill is averaging 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. Joey hart is dishing 1 assist and Devon Barnes is grabbing 1.3 rebounds. The Ball State Cardinals are shooting 31.4 percent from beyond the arc and 70.3 percent from the free throw line. The Ball State Cardinals are allowing 34.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 27.3 rebounds per game.

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas beat Kent State, lost to Miami (OH), and they play Western Michigan next. Central Michigan has lost 9 of its last 11 games.

The Central Michigan Chippewas are averaging 72.1 points on 45 percent shooting and allowing 79.9 points on 46.9 percent shooting. Nathan Claerbaut is averaging 12.7 points and 1.3 assists, while Tamario Adley is averaging 11.4 points and 4.6 rebounds. Phat Phat Brooks is the third double-digit scorer and Rodney Johnson Jr. is grabbing 3.8 rebounds. The Central Michigan Chippewas are shooting 28.1 percent from beyond the arc and 72 percent from the free throw line. The Central Michigan Chippewas are allowing 34.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.5 rebounds per game.

Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win

• Ball State has lost each of its last seven road games against the Mid-American Conference.
• The home team has won five of Ball State’s last six games.
• The home team has won the first half in five of Ball State’s last six games.

Why the Ball State Cardinals will win

• Central Michigan has lost six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Ball State has won four of its last five road games against Central Michigan.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Central Michigan’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 144+ points.
• Seven of Ball State’s last eight road night games against the Mid-American Conference have produced a total of 145+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Ball State ranks T46th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (55.0).

Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction

I’m not excited to back either of these teams that don’t win games and don’t cover numbers. With that said, somebody has to win this pick em spot. Central Michigan is the more efficient offense and is at home where 4 of its 5 wins have come this season. Ball State is winless on the road through 8 tries and is ridiculously bad scoring the ball. I’ll lay the bucket with Central Michigan at home if forced to pick.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Central Michigan -1.5