AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — Akron pulled away in the second half to defeat Ball State 87-77 in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at James A. Rhodes Arena.

The Zips (12-4) led 43-34 at halftime and maintained their advantage after the break, outscoring the Cardinals 44-43 in the second half. Ball State fell to 4-13 with the loss.

Akron entered the game as a heavy favorite and covered the pregame spread. The total score went under the projected over/under line. A crowd of 1,934 attended the conference matchup.