The men's basketball team opens regular season play today whenXavier University visits for a 7 p.m. contest.
Ball State went 1-1 in two exhibition games, downing Team Nike89-69 and falling 75-67 to EA Sports. Meanwhile, Xavier comes in at3-0 after defeating Coppin State, Mercer and Oakland in its owntournament last weekend. Xavier was ranked No. 29 in the preseasonAssociated Press Poll.
Ball State, which has won three season openers in a row, fell87-58 at Xavier the year before.
"Last year we got to play them, and they got the best of us,"junior guard Matt McCollom said. "They have pretty much the sameteam (this year)."
The Musketeers, who went 26-6 last season and advanced to thesecond round in the NCAAs, lost All-American forward David West tothe professional ranks, but the other four starters returned, ledby another national honors candidate, 6-5 swingman Romain Sato. Thesenior leads Xavier in scoring (16.3 points) and rebounds (7.3 pergame).
Two more seniors, point guard Lionel Chalmers (14.7 points) andforward Anthony Myles (8.0), and sophomores Will Caudle (6.7, 6.3rebounds) and Dedrick Finn (7.0) round out the starting five.
"They have outstanding guard play," Ball State coach Tim Buckleysaid. "Of course, Romain Sato is the All-American candidate, butthe guy I think really makes them go is Lionel Chalmers. We have todo a good job of shutting him down."
Ball State forward Robert Owens said the Musketeers are alsostrong in the paint.
"They're a very talented team, and it will be a good test forus," he said. "They're very strong inside, they rebound well andhave good senior leadership."
Ball State counters with a squad that Buckley says is deeperthan last year's 13-17 squad. The fourth-year coach added that theCardinals' defense and toughness are much-improved.
"And most important, we have the best locker room," he said."The guys really get along."
The Cardinals also lost their leading scorer (Chris Williams)and return the other four starters, but in their two exhibitiongames Owens came off the bench as junior college transfer TerranceChapman started. Matt McCollom moved from point guard to a wingspot, leaving freshman Peyton Stovall to take over.
Forward Cameron Echols paced the Cards with 24.5 points and 9.5rebounds in the exhibition outings. The 6-8 senior, BSU's chiefinside threat, will often be matched up with the 6-9 Myles, afamiliar opponent from their days in junior college.
McCollom (11.5 points) and Owens (10.0 points, 8.5 rebounds)also averaged in double figures. Junior wing Dennis Trammell andChapman put up 9.5 and 9.0 points, respectively.
The Cardinals made just four of 33 3-point attempts in theexhibitions, but Buckley remains confident in his team's abilitythere and adds that it isn't hurting other aspects.
"We've had problems shooting in games, but not in practice," hesaid. "We're making about 40 percent in practice. I think they'vepressed from the standpoint that they think the next one has to goin. But they haven't let it affect other areas of their game."
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
