Ball State fires hoops coach

Muncie, IN – Ball State University has fired head men's basketball coach Billy Taylor.

Ball State director of intercollegiate athletics Bill Scholl made the announcement Thursday, one day after the Cardinals lost to Buffalo in the Mid- American Conference Tournament.

The Cardinals were 15-15 this season, including an 8-8 mark in conference play.

"This was a difficult decision, primarily because Billy was a tremendous representative of our athletics department and university," Scholl said. "Billy is a great man. Under his guidance our student-athletes conducted themselves properly and our most recent APR score was our highest rating since 2004-05. We thank him for leaving the program better than when he inherited it and we wish him well in the future."

Taylor compiled an 84-99 record in his six years guiding the program.