MUNCIE, Ind. – The Western Michigan men's basketball team went down to Muncie, Ind., on Tuesday evening, and for the second consecutive season came out victorious, as it knocked off Ball State 74-71.  
 
Three players were in double-figures for WMU (6-14, 3-5 MAC), led by Markhi Strickland and JaVaughn Hannah netting 17 points apiece. Donovan Williams wasn't too far behind, as he tallied 16 points and paced the Broncos on the boards with seven. Chansey Willis Jr. filled up the stat sheet with eight points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Max Burton had a career-high three blocks and Michael Sulaka added a pair of rejections.
 
A pair of 7-0 runs helped Western Michigan turn an 11-8 deficit into a 22-14 advantage just past the midway point of the first half. The Broncos remained in front until Ball State (9-11, 3-5) used a 7-2 spurt to draw level, 36-36, with just over a minute to go in the period. EJ Ryans put WMU right back on top with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, and Sulaka then made a layup to give the Brown and Gold a 41-36 edge at halftime.    
 
The Broncos scored the first two baskets of the second half to extend their cushion to nine, 45-36. Ball State countered with the next seven to trim the margin down to two, 45-43. At 56-55, Western Michigan reeled off seven in a row to build its lead back to eight, 63-55.
 
Again the Cardinals came back with seven straight points, closing the gap to 63-62 with 6:18 to play. Western Michigan was able to hold Ball State off, getting a number of clutch baskets in the closing minutes to remain ahead, including a putback by Williams in the final minute which made it 70-64.
 
WMU shot 48.3 percent (28-of-58) from the field for the evening, while Ball State made 43.9 percent (25-of-57) of its field goal attempts. Western Michigan was plus-five in turnover margin (8-13), which led to a 16-8 advantage in points scored off of turnovers.
 
The Broncos return to University Arena on Saturday afternoon as they take on Eastern Michigan at 1 pm. For tickets to any WMU men's basketball home game, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets.