MUNCIE, Ind. -- K.J. Walton had 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots to lead Ball State to an 82-72 victory over Evansville on Saturday afternoon.

Tahjai Teague added 17 points with eight rebounds. Kyle Mallers scored all 17 of his points in the second half. Tayler Persons chipped in nine points while dishing out nine assists for Ball State (3-3).

Walton was 8 of 9 from the floor for 19 points in the first half. Teague added nine as the two combined for 12 of BSU's field goals in the first half.

Ball State finished the first half on a 22-10 run to take a 37-26 lead into the break. Evansville's Shea Feehan nailed a 3 to close to 79-68 with 2:53 remaining but the Purple Aces could get no closer until John Hall scored a layup for the final score.

Feehan hit 4 from deep to total 19 points. Hall and Marty Hill chipped in 10 apiece for Evansville (2-3).