The men's basketball team lost three of its last five games, most recently against Ohio, Saturday. The Cardinals return to Worthen Arena for a two-game home stand in an attempt to get back on the winning side of the ball.
In the first of those two games, Ball State faces off with the University at Buffalo tonight at 7. Ball State will try to use the home-court advantage, having lost only one home game all year, against Butler. With a home record of 7-1, Ball State averages the highest attendance in the Mid-American Conference, with 7,148.
Buffalo (10-13 overall, 5-7 MAC) travels to Muncie coming off of a close loss to Western Michigan this past Saturday, 60-59.
Ball State hopes to reinstate Theron Smith into the scheme of things. In his last two games Smith has scored only 24 points and pulled in a mere 8 rebounds, compared to his averages of 19 points and 11 rebounds a game.
"'T' has to get his confidence back and he has to get that attitude back," Ball State head coach Tim Buckley said. "In my opinion he is the best player in the conference. He hasn't played like it the past couple of games. He's played well, but not to his potential."
In addition to Smith, Ball State (15-8, 8-4) continues to rely on center Lonnie Jones. Jones' last two games' averages have been above par. The seven-footer averages eight points and almost six rebounds a game. Against Northern Illinois Jones scored 12 points and pulled in nine rebounds. While against Ohio he scored 14 and grabbed six rebounds.
"I think Lonnie is playing with as much focus as he ever has in his career right now," Buckley said. "His scoring is up a little bit and I think is has been more in tune defensively."
Jones said that he traditionally gets up for playing at the end of the season explaining that it is an "important time."
As a team, Ball State will rely on free throw shooting. Against Northern Illinois the Cardinals hit 28 of 30 shots from the free throw line for 93 percent. Against Ohio it was an even stronger percentage of 95, going 20-21.
"I think it's just better focus, and they have taken pride in it," Buckley said of the sharp shooting. "We try to shoot them when they are fatigued and during skill development."
Buckley said that each player usually shoots 50 a day to combine practice and skill development.
Even with Jones playing soundly and the solid shooting from the free throw line, Buckley remains cautious against each MAC team, including Buffalo.
"They are very talented and very athletic," Buckley said in regards to Buffalo. They can turn you over which is as good as any part of their offense. They turn you over and turn it into scores."
One player especially Buckley will keep his eye on Buffalo's Darcel Williams. Williams averages 16 points and eight rebounds a game.
"He's a tough match up because he's a big guy, but he can shoot the three," Buckley said. "He can take you off the dribble. He is a very versatile player in our league."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
