LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — Dovydas Butka scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Campbell Fightin’ Camels survived a late rally and a parade to the free-throw line to edge the Ball State Cardinals 69-64 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Sunday at John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

In a contest defined by offensive struggles, Campbell (5-5) used a decisive 17-2 advantage in points off turnovers and a 17-11 edge in offensive rebounds to overcome its own poor shooting and secure the victory. Both teams shot under 40% from the field and combined to make just 7 of 38 attempts from three-point range.

The game was a grind from the opening tip. Ball State (3-8) held a narrow lead for much of the first half, but the teams entered halftime tied at 30. The second half followed a similar pattern of physical defense and missed shots until Campbell pieced together a critical 9-0 run midway through the period. A layup by Chris Fields, a three-pointer from DJ Smith, and four consecutive points from Butka, including a dunk, turned a 42-39 Campbell edge into a 51-39 advantage with 10:10 remaining.

The most important sequence of the game, however, unfolded in the final minute. Ball State, which had trailed by as many as 12 points, mounted a fierce comeback. A layup by Davion Hill cut the Campbell lead to 63-60 with 1:56 left. After a Butka jumper, Hill scored again to make it 65-62. Following a Campbell turnover, Ball State had a chance to tie, but Hill missed a three-pointer with 29 seconds left.

Campbell’s inability to close the game at the free-throw line nearly proved catastrophic. The Fightin’ Camels shot just 16 for 29 from the stripe, including several misses in the final minute. After Smith made one of two free throws to put Campbell up 66-62 with 23 seconds left, Hill was fouled and made both of his attempts to pull Ball State within two.

Smith was then fouled again and made both free throws for a 68-64 lead with 20 seconds remaining. Ball State’s Joey Hart missed a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, and after a scramble, Campbell’s Tasos Cook secured the defensive rebound and was fouled. He made one of two free throws with five seconds left to seal the five-point win.

Butka, a 6-foot-9 junior from Lithuania, was the standout performer, recording his second double-double of the season. He was complemented by Smith, who scored 20 points, and Fields, who posted a massive double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Ball State’s offense was led by Hart with 15 points and Kayden Fish with 11. Preston Copeland added 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks for the Cardinals.

The game was a defensive battle, with Campbell posting an offensive rating of 98.9 points per 100 possessions, slightly better than Ball State’s 93.4. The Cardinals dominated points in the paint, 42-32, but were undone by 11 turnovers that Campbell converted into 15 points. Ball State also struggled mightily from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of 14 three-point attempts.

Campbell, which entered the game as a 7.5-point favorite according to oddsmakers, evened its season record. Ball State lost its second consecutive game and fell to 1-7 in games away from home this season.

Campbell next travels to face Gonzaga on Wednesday. Ball State returns home to host Miami (Ohio) in its Mid-American Conference opener on Saturday.