Fowler, Central Michigan beat Ball State 65-57

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) Chris Fowler made 9 of 15 field goals and finished with 20 points to help Central Michigan beat Ball State 65-57 Tuesday night.

Braylon Rayson added 18 points and three steals for Central Michigan, which moved into a tie with Ball State atop the Mid-American Conference West Division standings.

Fowler hit a 3, then made a layup to spark a 10-3 spurt that gave the Chippewas (19-22, 10-7) a 38-31 lead with 14:43 minutes to play.

After a layup by Trey Moses pulled Ball State (17-13, 10-7) within five, Fowler hit another 3-pointer which ignited a 9-2 run that gave Central Michigan a 49-37 advantage with 9:33 left.

Franko House pulled the Cardinals within 57-51 on a layup with 3:43 remaining, but they would get no closer.

House led Ball State with 23 points. Sean Sellers scored 11 and Bo Calhoun added 10 points with nine rebounds.