MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ryan Weber scored 14 points, Francis Kiapway added 12, and Ball State used a big second-half run to beat Chicago State 73-48 on Thursday for its ninth win and best start in 23 years.

Franko House also scored 12 points and the Cardinals (9-4) made 11 of 23 3-pointers (49 percent) and 12 of 15 free throws (80 percent). Bo Calhoun scored 11 points and Naiel Smith had six assists for Ball State, which led 27-18 at halftime.

Chicago State pulled within 27-25 on a layup by Clemmye Owens V, but the Cardinals pulled away on a 20-5 run in which Kiapway made two 3-pointers and led 47-32 with 11:29 left. Ball State finished with a 7-2 run capped by Nate Wells' dunk.

Fred Sims Jr. scored 15 points and Owens had 12 for the Cougars (4-12).

Ball State begins Mid-American Conference play Jan. 6 against Toledo.