Since Ball State's loss to Ohio on Feb. 9, the majority of the players on the team have followed one philosophy - one at a time.
Saturday, the Cardinals took another 'one' for a win by rolling past Toledo at Worthen Arena, 81-63.
After trailing the Rockets by two points going into the second half, it was a 15-point run four minutes into the second half that allowed Ball State to pull away from Toledo (9-13 overall, 6-7 Mid-American Conference).
That run was after a couple of exchanges between the two teams consisting of turnovers and quick, fast-paced play. It was senior Billy Lynch, however, who swayed the play in Ball State's favor after taking it down court and pulling up at the three-point arc, nailing the shot.
"It was a situation where (Theron Smith) was running the floor," Lynch said. "Obviously, I think any team in the country would rather me shoot a three than 'T' get the ball for a dunk. So the guy just really backed off of me and I didn't have any choice but to shoot it."
Even though Smith didn't get a touch on that particular play, it was the junior forward who controlled the majority of the offense Saturday. Smith finished the contest with 24 points and 10 rebounds marking his 16th double-double of the season.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game," Toledo head coach Jan Joplin said. "I also knew Smith would be Smith."
"We wanted to limit his touches," Joplin said. "But he did a nice job at the free-throw line. We fouled him too much."
Smith finished the game by visiting the free-throw line more than any other player Saturday as he shot 12-13 from the charity stripe.
"He makes me look like a pretty good coach," Ball State head coach Tim Buckley said. "Not only is he an outstanding player, he is one of the best human beings I have ever been around. If he goes to the women's game, he will sign autographs for the kids the entire time. He is really a great person."
Aside from Smith, aiding Ball State (17-8, 10-4) in the post was 7-footer Lonnie Jones, who finished with 11 points, four rebounds and three blocks.
One Cardinal who is especially pleased with the post play as of late is Petie Jackson. With the presence of Jones and Smith inside, defenders are beginning to be drawn from the perimeter, leaving shooters like Jackson and Chris Williams open.
"In my opinion, 'T' is the best player in the MAC and Lonnie has really picked it up in the last two months and he is playing excellent basketball," Jackson said. "When you have that presence down low it draws defense and then they can kick it back out and we can hit the open shots."
Buckley continued to be pleased with not only his big men down low, but the people who have contributed to their success.
"Our assistant coaches have done a good job with emphasizing the post play, and our perimeter guys have done a good job with the recognition. When they get it to them they respond and score," Buckley said.
Even with the win Saturday, the Cardinals continue to focus solely on the next game.
"Every time we lose we seem to bounce back," Jackson said about the Ohio game. "Right now we are just thinking about one game at a time. We aren't thinking about post-season, or about Cleveland. If we just keep coming out and playing hard and playing Ball State basketball it will all work out."
While working under that philosophy, Buckley said practices are beginning to get better at the same time.
"We had our best practice of the year (Friday). I told them when we went into the locker room it was Maui-like," Buckley said. "It was a great feeling because everyone came to compete.
"When they practice like that, they don't need a coach. I just have a better seat than you do."
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