Thanks to a bit of a scheduling quirk, Ball State must shift into a different gear Saturday, as the Cardinals travel to rival Miami for their Mid-American Conference opener, with regular MAC play still a month away.
Head coach Tim Buckley said the single game in the middle of non-league play isn't new to most MAC schools, but Ball State has been able to avoid such a game because of late openings in opponents' schedules.
"It's difficult for the league to put together an 18-game schedule in the allotted weeks," Buckley said.
Buckley said the change his team must make for conference play isn't in preparation, but rather increased intensity.
"Your older guys have to take on the responsibility of telling the younger guys what it takes," Buckley said.
Wednesday, his team had enough to hold off Wright State 61-54 in what Buckley called an "MAC-like game." The Cardinals shot just 40 percent from the field and were out-rebounded by five, but played stellar defense and never trailed.
"When the ball wasn't going in the basket, we still played good defense," Buckley said. "Sometimes you lose your defensive edge, and this team didn't do that."
Ball State (2-1) will need that defensive edge again when it faces the RedHawks (3-1). In a rivalry known for its tight contests of late, BSU's win at Millett Hall last season was the first such accomplishment in 12 years. Matt McCollom's three-pointer, with a minute to go, put the Cards ahead for good.
"The years I've coached here, the team that made the plays in the end won," Buckley said. "It's a great matchup for early in the season."
"I've only played three games (against Miami)," point guard Peyton Stovall said, "but being around the guys, you know this rivalry is different than any other."
Miami started the season with wins over Purdue and Xavier. Charlie Coles' fell by 13 at Butler, but recovered Monday against Division II Findlay to the tune of 79-66.
Danny Horace, a three-year thorn in Ball State's side, paces the RedHawks with 18 points and 11 rebounds per game, while point guard Chet Mason adds 13.8 and 7.3, respectively. Big men Nathan Peavy and Monty St. Clair add long-range punch to a team that is averaging 53 percent (33 of 62) on three-pointers.
Buckley however, feels his team has able defenders to slow the RedHawks' big men.
"I think that's an area of strength for us," he said, "for our big guys to defend the perimeter."
Tipoff at Millett Hall is slated for about 4:30 p.m., following the Miami women's game against unbeaten Vanderbilt.
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
