Miami (9-10, 3-4) at Ball State (3-16, 2-5)
The Cardinals come into Saturday's game 2-5 in league play after losing to BG by 10. BSU defeated Central by 11 and Eastern by 4 at home. Their other league losses came on the road to Toledo by 4, Western by 26, NIU by 2 and OU by 2. In non-conference play, they were saddled with playing the likes of Butler, Georgetown, St. Joe's, Valpo, and Purdue while undermanned and small. Even with a 3-16 record, new coach Billy Taylor has done a good job, as his team has been competitive in almost all of their games and with the exception of the loss to Western, have been even more competitive in league play. To say Ball St. plays small is an understatement, but Muncie is still a tough place to play and would still be a good win for us.
Projected Starters:
G Melvin Goins, 5'9 Fr. 8 pts, 3 reb. 31% FG, 23% 3PFG, 80% FT. Quick guard who has held his own for a freshman. Has a 1:1 assist/turnover ratio, which is very acceptable for a freshman in a 4 guard offense. Had a season high 18 in their last game vs. BG.
G Peyton Stovall, 6'1 Sr. 14 pts, 6 reb. 44% FG, 39% 3PFG, 73% FT. Now 100% after his ACL injury 2 years ago. He can take you off the dribble, pull for the mid-range jumper or hit the deep ball. He's a tremendous competitor and the team leader. He could've left after the scandal but he didn't. He's scored in double figures all but 4 games and has 2 double-doubles, amazing for a 6'1 guard!
G Rob Giles, 6'4 Jr. 3 pts, 2 reb. 36% FG, 25% 3PFG, 53% FT. JUCO transfer presents a little more size and a better defensive matchup.
F Malik Perry, 6'4 Fr. 8 pts, 6 reb. 51% FG, 49% FT. Can work down low because he's very quick and athletic. He wants to go to the basket and finish. You have to make him shoot the ball and if he beats you, foul him hard. When he gets the ball, he's looking to score. He only has 7 assists compared to 36 turnovers.
F Anthony Newell, 6'5 Jr. 19 pts, 7 reb. 43% FG, 27% 3PFG, 65% FT. Missed 9 games due to a foot injury, but has come back strong. Has 3 point range, but is best around the basket and in that 12 to 15 foot range. Plays bigger and stronger than his frame. Has 4 20-point games and 2 double-doubles.
Off the Bench:
G Brandon Lampley, 6' Jr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 24% FG, 18% 3PFG, 81% FT.
G Laron Frazier, 6' Jr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 34% FG, 24% 3PFG, 67% FT.
F Rashaun McLemore, 6'4 So. 5 pts, 2 reb. 44% FG, 14% 3PFG, 36% FT.
Offensively, Ball St. will be patient, spreading the floor, trying to take advantage of their guards and bring bigger defenders out to the perimeter and make them defend. Look for a lot of pass and cut action, trying to keep the defense moving. When Coach Taylor gets his players in, they'll run more motion as his teams did at Lehigh, but for now, they have to spread the floor, penetrate and kick, and make jump shots. Points don't come easy for the Cardinals. Because of their quickness, the Cards do get to the foul line, giving them some chances at easy points. Their bench, though not very deep, does a good job of taking care of the ball.
Defensively, look for a lot of man, but some zone as well. Whatever defense they're in, they will play hard. They're being outrebounded over the course of the year, but they fight hard on the glass. But if you can get past their ball pressure, there's no big shot blocking threat waiting in the paint.
Ball St. is in the bottom quarter of Division 1 in every major statistical offensive category. They're averaging 57 points, only shooting 39%, 27% from 3. When 2 of your top 8 players are the only ones with significant experience while playing on a small, under-manned team, you're going to struggle. Defensively, their numbers are better, but they still allow teams to shoot 46%, 40% from 3. For us, we need to take care of the ball and make BSU play defense, especially inside. Everything should work inside-out. Defensively, stop dribble penetration and don't let a 3rd scorer emerge. Contain Stovall and Newell as best as possible, but they'll get theirs. Don't let anyone else break out and have a big day.
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