Division Leaders Clash When Buffalo Faces Ball State
2/4/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, IN - In what could be considered the most anticipated Mid American Conference game of the weekend, east division co-leader Buffalo hits the road to take on west division leader Ball State. The Bulls are looking to go 4-0 against the west but it will not be an easy task, as the Cardinals boast an evenly balanced offense and a solid defense.
Ball State was riding a seven-game win streak dating back to Dec. 31, 2010, including a 5-0 record in the first pass through the MAC West. The team has now lost four straight, with losses to three MAC East teams as well as its final non-conference foe in Morehead State. Most recently, the Cardinals lost on the road to Miami (OH), 89-75.
On offense, Ball State has three players who average ten or more points per game. Jarrod Jones leads the team with 15.1 points per game while Jauwan Scaife and Randy Davis average 11.5 and 10.2 points per game, respectively. The Cardinals have found its success through its ability to get to the free throw line, making 26 more free throws than its opponents have even attempted. The team averages 18.5 made free throws per game.
Buffalo has found some success against the MAC West in the early going, most recently defeating Toledo 81-58 Thursday night. The 81 points were the most Buffalo has scored in the MAC this season and the team's field goal percentage of 59.6 percent was a season high. Zach Filzen has been riding a hot streak in the past four games, pouring in 21.5 points and over five three pointers made per game. Byron Mulkey has become a sniper in conference play, shooting 51.4 percent from three in the team's eight conference match ups, helping him to a 15.2 points per game average in MAC action.
Last season, the Bulls lost to the Cardinals 75-69. Over the past four years, Buffalo has gone 1-4 against Ball State, including 0-2 at Worthen Arena. Tip off is set for 2 pm Saturday. Fans can tune in to WECK 1230-AM for Josh Whetzel's call of the game.
