Whether it’s because Ball State and Ohio knocked each other out of consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournaments in 2010 and 2011 or because of the near-brawl two seasons ago in Worthen Arena, it’s easy to see why today’s game was designated a “Red Out.”
The past three regular season games between the Cardinals and Bobcats were decided by a combined six points, a stat that explains why junior guard Jesse Berry said he can sense an added chippiness when the two teams play.
Despite Ball State (8-12, 2-6 MAC) and Ohio’s (15-6, 6-1 MAC) varied success in conference play this season, coach Billy Taylor said he still thinks this game will follow the pattern of years past.
“We’ve had some great contests against Ohio in the last three or four years,” Taylor said. “That builds a bit of a rivalry. We’ve had some ball games that typically go down to the last minute, so our guys will be excited about it.”
One thing keeping that thrill alive is the familiarity between players.
Although Jim Christian replaced the departed John Groce as Ohio’s head coach this season, all five starters from last season’s Sweet Sixteen team are still on the roster.
One player Taylor is focusing on in particular for today’s game is the Bobcats’ senior point guard.
“They still love to run pick-and-roll action for D.J. Cooper,” Taylor said. “They put him in a number of ball screen situations and his ability to find people has just got better and better and better every single year.”
Cooper’s 8.0 assists per game lead the MAC and are good enough for third in the nation. He is also seventh in the conference in scoring at 14.5 ppg.
Taylor said his court vision, both in the half court and open court, is what makes the Ohio offense extremely dangerous.
“It’s difficult because you’re really stretched both ways,” Taylor said. “Vertically from rim to rim because their posts run well and D.J. pushes hard, and horizontally because their shooters are spaced out.
We’ve seen some teams run really well and I think we’re prepared for that, but it’s a little bit different because it’s D.J. Cooper coming at ya.”
The Bobcats have taken it to their opponents all season. The team won four of its six games by double-digits and was undefeated in conference play until it lost to Akron 86-72 on Saturday.
Ohio is currently on a four game road trip, with Worthen Arena being the final stop. The team beat Ball State in Muncie by one point in 2011, but the Cardinals have struggled at home this season.
Both of Ball State’s MAC wins have come on the road, and the team hasn’t won a game in Worthen Arena since Jan. 2.
“We need to use that momentum and [home] atmosphere to our advantage,” Taylor said. “We need to use that energy in the building and I don’t know if we’ve done a good job of that. We kind of played down a little bit. We need to go out there and play with that great passion and allow our fans and students to get behind us and create a difficult environment to play in.”
Few environments have been kind to Ball State this season, but the players remain very positive.
The Cardinals have been in every game, but turnovers or scoring droughts in certain games have cost them. Victories are something Berry said are just a few plays away from coming in bunches.
“There’s no doubt in my mind how hard we play — everyone on this team gives effort,” Berry said. “It’s just one or two things we need to adjust to make it so we’re a team that’s competing hard, but at the end of the game also getting a win.”
MARG
Team comparison
Ball State
Record: 8-12 (2-6)
PPG: 63.8
FG%: 42.4
3PT: 32.3
FT%: 64.0
RPG: 35.5
APG: 12.3
SPG: 6.3
BPG: 2.2
Ohio
Record: 15-6 (6-1)
PPG: 74.4
FG%: 48.4
3PT: 37.0
FT%: 69.7
RPG: 30.6
APG: 18.9
SPG: 9.2
BPG: 3.7
