Jan. 18, 2003

Box Score| Quotes| Notes

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Matt McCollom scored a career-high 29 points and hit a decisive 3-pointer as Ball State snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 77-72 victory over Toledo on Saturday.

The Cardinals (6-9, 1-4 Mid-American) trailed 70-69 when McCollom sank a 3-pointer with 1:48 remaining to put Ball State up for good.

Chris Williams sank two free throws to extend the Cardinals' lead to 74-70 with 26 seconds remaining, but Nick Moore answered with a jumper 10 seconds later to move the Rockets (8-7, 2-3) back to within 2 points behind. Williams sank another two free throws with 12 seconds left to put the game out of reach.

Ball State led by as many as 14 points in the first half, and held a 39-30 lead at halftime. Toledo took its first lead of the second half, 64-62, with 5:24 remaining on Keith Triplett's 3-pointer.

Ball State quickly regained the lead on freshman Kyle Cox's trey with 4:53 left. Triplett then answered by making one of two free throws to tie the contest at the 4:17 mark. Williams then gave the Cardinals a 67-65 advantage, but Triplett made all three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt for a 68-67 lead with 3:35 left.

The two teams then traded baskets before a McCollom three with 1:48 remaining gave BSU the lead for good. UT had a chance to tie the score with 50 seconds remaining when Nick Moore stole the ball but made an errant pass to Sammy Villegas on the ensuing fast break. Williams then sealed the victory for Ball State with his four straight free throws.

The victory was Ball State's first since a 76-68 win over Indiana State on Dec. 14.

Nick Moore led Toledo with 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting, and Triplett added 18 points.

McCollom finished 9-for-14 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line. Williams added 18 points for Ball State.

The Rockets return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Central Michigan (11-3, 4-1 MAC). Tip-off time is set for 7:00 p.m.