Ball State University has had its issues getting the 2007-08 season off the ground at home.
The Cardinals are 0-4 for the first time since 1974, including close defeats against Georgetown University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Evansville.
Now, the team will face a different type of challenge as it plays its first road game tonight in Philadelphia against Saint Joseph's University.
"It's a tough challenge," coach Billy Taylor said. "Any time you play on the road, regardless of your record, it's a difficult thing to do."
The Hawks enter the matchup 2-1 on the season. They will face the Cardinals after a nine-day layoff, as their last game was a victory at Boston University on Nov. 17.
Ball State will enter the game attempting to bounce back from a 51-50 defeat against Evansville on Saturday. The Cardinals allowed a late nine-point lead to slip away in that game.
"Our defense was very good for the first 15 to 16 minutes of the second half," Taylor said. "We were in position to put the game away, but we couldn't."
The Cardinals' defense will be tested by Saint Joseph's multi-pronged offensive attack. Three Hawk players have led the team in scoring in their first three games, led by senior forward Pat Calathes with 16.3 points a game.
"They have a very balanced and experienced ball club," Taylor said. "Pat Calathes is a 6'10" small forward who is an excellent three-point shooter. They've got a lot of different players that can hurt you. We'll try and take them out of their comfort zone."
Today's game marks Ball State's third in seven days and Taylor's first road game as Ball State's coach. Taylor said he is anticipating his team's ability to respond after early-season struggles.
"This is part of the challenge of the road," Taylor said. "We'll see how they respond. I'm looking forward to seeing what we do."
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