| MATCHUP | Central Michigan Chippewas | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-20 | 11-19 |
| Spread | +1.5 -105 | -1.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +110 | -130 |
| Total | Over 135.5 (-115) | Under 135.5 (-105) |
| Where | Worthen Arena, Muncie, IN | |
| When | Friday, March 6, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals enter Friday’s contest with a 11–19 overall record, including an 6-11 mark in conference play and a 6-7 record at home. Ball State has compiled wins over teams such as Mansfield, Louisiana and Le Moyne while losing games to Wisconsin, Little Rock, Indiana State and South Dakota.Earlier this season, in the Massachusetts Minutemen’s 79-71 victory over the Ball State Cardinals, Ball State forward Preston Copeland amassed 12 points (4 of 4 shooting from the field) and 5 rebounds showcasing his ability to lead the Cardinals frontcourt play.
The Ball State Cardinals are averaging 65.4 points on 40.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.5 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Cardinals are allowing opponents 71.5 points per contest.
It is noteworthy that these two teams met earlier this season. Who won? Last month, the Ball State Cardinals defeated Central Michigan 68-67.
Sophomore guard Davion Hill leads the Ball State Cardinals averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1 steal per game. Junior guard Joey Hart provides the Cardinals with further backcourt depth averaging 9 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1 assist and 0.5 steals per contest. Senior forward Cam Denson adds 4.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview
Central Michigan enters Friday evening’s contest with a 10–20 overall record, including a 6–11 mark in conference play and an abysmal 1-14 record on the road. The Chippewas have posted wins over Buffalo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and the Eastern Michigan Eagles, while dropping games to Kent State and the Akron Zips.More recently, in Central Michigan’s thrilling 75–70 win over the Buffalo Bulls six days ago, Central Michigan guard Tamario Adley amassed 21 points (7 of 13 shooting from the field) and 4 rebounds.
The Chippewas average 71.8 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 34.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Chippewas are allowing opponents 77.4 points per contest.
Sophomore guard Phat Phat Brooks leads the Chippewas averaging 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4 assists on 41.6 percent shooting from the field per game.
Why the Ball State Cardinals Will Win
• Defensive edge. The Ball State Cardinals are allowing opponents 71.5 points per contest. Conversely, the Chippewas are allowing 77.4 points per contest.• Quality guard play. Sophomore guard Davion Hill leads the Ball State Cardinals averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1 steal per game.
• Home court advantage. The Ball State Cardinals have been more competitive at home (6–7) this season.
Why the Central Michigan Chippewas Will Win
• Offensive edge. The Central Michigan Chippewas average 71.8 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 34.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game• Enhanced motivation. The Chippewas have lost five of the team’s last eight games played this season.