Ball State coach Tim Buckley calls Saturday's regular season finale "just another game."
However, if the first meeting between Ball State and Central Michigan was any indication, Worthen Arena is the place to be at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
In its final regular season game of the year, Ball State will host CMU, the Mid-American Conference's 2003 regular season champions. The Chippewas wrapped up the season title after defeating Northern Illinois, 73-57 on Wednesday.
Ball State's Wednesday outing was not as pretty. The Cardinals are coming off their worst loss of the season after dropping the fourth of five games Wednesday against Toledo, 100-64.
However, perhaps the most intriguing part of Saturday's game will be the firepower the teams bring.
In Ball State's corner: Chris Williams. In Central Michigan's corner: Chris Kaman.
In the first meeting on Feb. 19, Williams finished with 44 points and Kaman 43 as the Chippewas held off the Cardinals, 94-92.
Both have been mentioned, but it has been Kaman's name that has been the subject of conversation around the league when it comes to MAC Player of the Year.
"With them winning the league and the kind of numbers he's put up and how much he's helped them win," Buckley said of Kaman's Player of the Year chances, "I'd say that right now he's the favorite."
Kaman leads the MAC in field-goal percentage, averaging 62 percent from the field. Kaman also ranks No. 2 in the MAC in rebounding and scoring.
"We have to be in good position when guarding him," Buckley said. "We have to try to make it difficult for them to throw the ball inside which we didn't do last time we played them. We've got to try to deflect the ball and keep it from getting inside to easily."
Leading the conference in scoring is Williams at 24.8 points a game. He has done so nearly all season. As of Monday, Williams was ranked No. 6 in the nation in scoring.
"Chris has needed more support," Buckley said. "He's given us pretty much everything he can give us. The other guys, Kaman and so on, have guys who have really supported them."
For the Cardinals, this game will play a role in the seeding process by the end of play around the MAC on Saturday. If the Cardinals win, it will improve Ball State's chances of hosting a first-round tournament game. If they lose, it will lessen the chances that Ball State will be playing in Muncie on Monday.
However, a win or loss will neither secure nor deny Ball State a first-round home game. Nothing is certain, and the outcome of the seeding race will depend on more than Ball State's game.
Ball State stands at 8-9 in conference play, as do three other schools in the conference. All three of those teams still have one game remaining, like Ball State.
Even with the seeding proceedings staring Ball State in the face, Buckley continues to place importance on playing better, not playing to win.
"My main concern right now is our basketball team and where we are," Buckley said. "The last two games we've played, we haven't been nearly where we need to be. If we don't come out and compete, I don't care what we do, we really aren't going to have a very good chance in this game."
On top of the MAC's two top scorers facing off on one floor and the pressure of the MAC tournament right around the corner, Saturday will also mark the end of careers for five individuals, as Saturday will also be senior night.
There are two players who will be honored -- Williams and Rob Robbins, who has been out most of the season with a knee injury.
Also being honored Saturday will be student managers Chris Ulm and Jeff Bogacki.
Saturday will also mark the final game for Gayle Replogle, who will be retiring as the official scorer.
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