MUNCIE, Ind. — Little Rock picked up an impressive road win Saturday night, grinding out a 68–62 victory over Ball State at Worthen Arena. The Trojans used efficient scoring inside, timely rebounding, and a balanced offensive attack to get the win.
The Trojans (2-2) controlled the paint all evening, finishing with 36 points around the rim, and used a late defensive stand to hold off a Cardinals (2-2) team that stayed within striking distance thanks to its pressure defense and 21 points off turnovers. Little Rock countered with an active defensive effort of its own, forcing Ball State into difficult possessions and collecting eight steals along the way.
"This was a big win for us," Little Rock head coach
Darrell Walker said. "We tightened up defensively in the second half, and that effort is what helped us finish the game."
Cam Wallace powered the offensive attack with a team-high 20 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting night. Graduate guard
Braxton Bayless scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half. He drilled three triples and added five rebounds.
Johnathan Lawson contributed 14 points to go with 6 assists and 2 steals, helping to stabilize the offense throughout the game. Reigning OVC Defensive Player of the Year
Tuongthach Gatkek anchored the defense, recording three blocks and two steals while scoring seven points.
After taking a 37-35 halftime lead, the Trojans wasted no time reasserting control. Little Rock attacked the rim repeatedly, piling up 20 paint points in the second half alone. That interior focus not only fueled a 31-point half but also put the pressure on Ball State's defense, which struggled to match the Trojans' physicality on the boards. Little Rock grabbed another 20 rebounds in the period — a 20–11 margin — and turned several of those into second-chance scoring opportunities.
Little Rock edged managed to lead at halftime after a strong opening 20 minutes that featured hot shooting and dominance on the glass. The Trojans connected on 60 percent of their first-half attempts and knocked down five 3-pointers. Their work on the boards was even more important — a 16–7 rebounding advantage turned into nine second-chance points.
Graduate guard
Braxton Bayless delivered the biggest play of the half, drilling a contested 3-pointer in the closing seconds to send Little Rock into the break with the lead.
Little Rock never relinquished its advantage, even though the Cardinals were pesky. Each time Ball State threatened to close the gap, the Trojans responded with key stops or high-percentage baskets inside. A late defensive surge, highlighted by Gatkek's rim protection and active hands across the lineup, helped preserve the win as Little Rock closed out the final minutes with composure.
With the victory, Little Rock heads into its next matchup carrying momentum, traveling to Murray, Kentucky, on Tuesday, Nov. 18 to take on Murray State (3-1). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. The Racers manhandled Nicholls State, 99-79, at home Saturday night.
"Murray State is a great team, and we will have to play very well to win," Walker said. "But tonight was a step in the right direction, and we will prepare the next two days and be ready to play."
