Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction 1/21/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Ball State vs Central Michigan prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 21st at McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview

The Ball State Cardinals are 8-9 (2-3) this year after they lost to Toledo by a score of 93-75 in their last game. Ball State trailed 44-40 at halftime and they allowed 49 points in the second half in the loss. The Cardinals shot 53.7% from the field, 25% on three-pointers, and 61.9% on free throws in the game. Payton Sparks led Ball State with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Jermahri Hill added 17 points and six assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Cardinals lost to Ohio by a score of 86-71 but did beat Bowling Green by a score of 91-69 before that. Ball State has lost three of their last four games, but they did win the four games prior to that. Ball State has scored 75.9 points per game and they have allowed 73 points per game, while also averaging 35.8 rebounds and 13.2 assists per game this season. Jermahri Hill is averaging 16.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while Payton Sparks is averaging 11.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this year. Ball State is shooting 46.1% from the field, 69.8% on free throws, and 34.3% on three-pointers this season. 

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas are 8-9 (2-3) this season after they defeated Northern Illinois by a score of 71-66 in their last game. Central Michigan led 35-29 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored in the second half. The Chippewas shot 48.3% from the field, 42.9% on three-pointers, and 63.6% on free throws in the game. Jakobi Heady led Central Michigan with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Cayden Vasko added 15 points and five assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Chippewas defeated Eastern Michigan by a score of 82-63 but did lose to Toledo by a score of 69-67 before that. Central Michigan has lost six of their last nine games and they only have four wins against D-1 teams so far this year. Central Michigan has scored 73.2 points per game and they have allowed 70.1 points per game, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. Jakobi Heady is averaging 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Anthony Pritchard is averaging 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this year. Central Michigan is shooting 45.3% from the field, 71.9% on free throws, and 31.3% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Central Michigan will beat Ball State

• Ball State has lost seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Central Michigan has won eight of its last 10 games against Conference opponents at McGuirk Arena.
• Ball State has lost the first half in each of its last three night games against Conference opponents.

Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction 

Central Michigan comes into this matchup looking for their third straight win and they will be at home for this game. The Chippewas are shooting 45.3% from the field and they are scoring 73.2 points per game, and they have allowed 69 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Ball State has lost two games in a row and they have allowed 93 and 86 points in those two losses. The Cardinals have struggled defensively this season, but they are the slightly better offensive team in this matchup. I don’t love either team in this matchup, but I will fade the Ball State defense on the road. Take CMU here.