Ball State Cardinals Fight Hard in Season Opener Despite Loss
In Muncie, Indiana, the air was filled with excitement as the Ball State Cardinals kicked off their 2024-25 season against the Georgia State Panthers in a thrilling matchup that promised a lot. However, the game didn’t unfold quite as hoped. The Cardinals ultimately fell 71-66, prompting reflections on what went right and what needs improvement.
Struggles on the Court
The numbers from the game tell a frank story. Ball State ended up shooting 32.4% from the field, hitting only 22 of their 68 attempts. The team’s shooting woes were particularly pronounced from behind the arc, where they made just 8 of 33 three-point attempts. It was clear that the pressure of opening night may have rattled some nerves, especially in the early going. In fact, Ball State started the game by missing their first seven shots and finished the first half with a dismal 9-for-34 shooting record.
Coach Lewis Sees Bright Spots
Frustrated though he might have been with the outcome, Ball State head coach Michael Lewis expressed a surprising sense of hope. He stated emphatically, “It goes against everything that I’m about when I say this, but I was encouraged by our performance tonight.” His remarks suggest that despite the loss, the effort and determination displayed by the team were commendable.
Lewis recognized that many of his players were still finding their feet. “We just rushed things, whether it was open shots or free throws,” he explained, referring to his team’s performance. With several new faces on the roster, adjustments are part of the early season growing pains.
Key Players Stepping Up
Much to the team’s credit, not all was lost on the court that night. While senior center Payton Sparks faced cramping issues and struggled mightily, his teammates rose to the occasion. Jermahri Hill, a junior guard, led the scoring with 17 points, finding his rhythm in the second half. His improvement was noted by Coach Lewis, who said, “I think he slowed himself down a little bit… which led to some success.”
As for the shooting struggles, graduate student guard Ethan Brittain-Watts managed to contribute 12 points with a perfect three-point shooting performance. Junior guard Juanse Gororsito also matched that score, demonstrating that when the Cardinals settled down, they could find plenty of offensive opportunities.
Learning as They Go
Post-game, many players expressed a mix of disappointment and optimism. Brittain-Watts shared his thoughts on sustaining intensity, saying, “We struggled a little bit in terms of intensity and how to sustain that level of play that it takes to win games.” This sentiment echoed the feelings of Coach Lewis, who emphasized that while this game didn’t go as planned, it was a valuable learning experience.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals will have their first opportunity to shine on their home court at Worthen Arena when they face Franklin on Friday, Nov. 8. As the team takes to the floor again, everyone is eager to see how they will respond after this challenging season opener. Coach Lewis believes in the potential of this squad and is looking forward to refining their game as the season progresses, stating, “I don’t think tonight is indicative of how the whole season’s gonna go.”
With a mix of new talents and returning players, it will be intriguing to watch how the Cardinals evolve as they find their stride. Fans will undoubtedly be cheering loud and proud for their team in the upcoming match!
For further updates on Ball State Basketball and all things sports in the Muncie area, stay tuned!
