Hard as it was to swallow, Ball State University's 64-61 overtime loss at Kent State University on Wednesday night served as another lesson for the young Cardinals' team.
It was the latest in a list of lessons being taught by other Mid-American Conference teams on how to win close games.
"We've got to learn how to win," junior forward Anthony Newell said after a home loss to Miami University last week. "That's the bottom line."
The Cardinals get another opportunity to educate themselves Saturday night when the University of Akron visits Worthen Arena.
The Zips enter Saturday's game tied for second place in the MAC East Division at 6-3 and own a 16-6 overall record.
While Ball State tries to regroup from another tough road loss, coach Billy Taylor said, he is concerned with keeping his team's confidence high during the trying times.
"I think our guys are probably a little bit down," Taylor said. "All we can do is get back to work."
One player who is not lacking confidence is freshman guard Melvin Goins who passed his career high in points in two of his last three games, including 21 points Wednesday. He shot five-of-five from beyond the arc, spearheading Ball State's 23-4 scoring spurt that gave it a brief lead against the Golden Flashes.
"Melvin's played much better for us the last few games," Taylor said. "Even the games where he wasn't scoring as much, he's done an excellent job as the point guard, running the offense. His on-the-ball defense has been pretty consistent."
Goins' recent success means there are fewer shots for senior guard Peyton Stovall to take. Stovall scored in single digits in two straight games, though he grabbed 10 rebounds Wednesday night.
"We've got to find creative ways to get Peyton involved in the offense," Taylor said.
Saturday night's game will be the second in a Worthen Arena doubleheader. The women's basketball team will also play host to Akron. That game will begin at 3 p.m. before the men's team tangles with the Zips at 7 p.m.
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