When Terrance Chapman went down, Ball State was put in a interesting situation. Chapman, who averages 14.6 points and 9.1 rebounds in 31.3 minutes per game, left the game with 5:46 to go in the first game and did not return.
Chapman's absence forced the Cardinals to switch to a four-guard lineup, with Matt McCollom seeing some serious playing time for the first time this season.
"We're going to have to look at [subbing McCollom for Chapman]," Cardinals coach Tim Buckley said. "Today, obviously, it was based on fatigue and foul trouble more than strategy."
McCollom played a season high 22 minutes -- 15 in the second half -- and added four rebounds, five points and two steals.
"One thing about Matt McCollom is he never changes," Buckley said.
Rather than switch its lineup to match, Western remained in a three-guard lineup, trying to exploit the Cardinals' lack of size inside. This, however, created mismatches on the permitter, which allowed the Cardinals to get open more often on the outside.
McCollom's presence was more than just on the court. He gave the Cardinals an additional threat from beyond the arch and an accurate passer that opened up the team's offense. His presence in the second half allowed Dennis Trammell and Darren Yates to get open looks in the second half. Overall, the Cardinals shot 51.9 percent in the second half despite not having a forward for much of the second half.
"The one thing about Western's defense is that, even though it's a man-to-man, it's just like a zone," Buckley said. "They try to stop the ball, that's their biggest thing. And they don't want you to get to the basket. So what you have to be willing to do is make the extra pass for 40 minutes. And what they say, basically, is 'we don't think you can do that.'"
Yates had a career night for the Cardinals, including career highs in points (11) and field goals made (4), and he tied career highs in 3-point field goals made (3) and assists (3).
"Talk about a guy who struggled all year and comes in and finds the range against us," Hawkins said.
Chapman's absence also required players to stop up on defense. Peyton Stovall tied a career high eight rebounds, and Tom Howland, who logged a season high 28 minutes, tied a career record six rebounds.
"This is a team game; it's not about one guy. It's about a team," Trammell said. "We knew what were were losing in Terrance, and everyone else just had to pick it up."
Chapman had a MRI Sunday on his left shoulder. The MRI found nothing serious and has been listed as day-to-day.
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
