MUNCIE, Ind. -- Connar Tava made 1 of 2 free throws with 7 seconds left in regulation and then scored six points in overtime as Western Michigan earned its eighth-straight win and handed Ball State its 10th consecutive loss.

Western Michigan trailed 69-62 with 3:57 left, but David Brown and Shayne Whittington combined to go on an 8-2 run to pull within 71-70.

Tava was fouled on a drive and made the first free throw and missed the second. Then Ball State turned the ball over and wasn't able to get off a final shot.

Ball State only made two field goals in overtime.

Whittington scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for Western Michigan (19-8, 12-3 Mid-American Conference). Brown had 25 and Tava finished with 23.

Zavier Turner paced Ball State (4-22, 1-14) with 20 points, Jesse Berry had 17.

The win gave coach Steve Hawkins his 200th victory at Western Michigan.