The Cardinals lost in the Sweet 16 to the eventual national champions UNLV Runnin' Rebels, 69–67.

The Cardinals were a 12 seed and began the tournament at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City.

They upset the Oregon State Beavers in what was star point guard Gary Payton’s last game in college.

Meanwhile, in Muncie, fans stormed the village (the center of Ball State's off campus social scene) after the win.

Ball State shut down one of the best offenses in college basketball history and had a chance to win it in the final seconds.