By: Connor Onion | @Conion22
Play-by-play voice on SL Radio on WCRD
Member of Ball State Sports Link

Ball State takes a share of the Mid-American Conference West Division lead (tied with Toledo) into Tuesday’s matchup at Miami.

The Cardinals are coming off a 75-63 win at Central Michigan, handing the Chippewas only their third loss in their past 30 home games.

Red Birds Fighting for Supremacy 

Miami has asserted its dominance over its feathered foe in the series history. Since 2004, the RedHawks own a record of 13-3 against the Cardinals and a 6-1 record against Ball State in Oxford, Ohio.

Despite the struggles against Miami as of late, Ball State grinded out a 48-46 victory the last time these two clubs met Jan. 16. Jeremiah Davis proved to be the hero, banking in a layup with one second to play to break a 46-46 tie.

Miami looks for revenge on Tuesday night.

Cardinal Ties to Oxford

Ball State Head Coach James Whitford is very familiar with Miami University. His first coaching job came in Oxford under the late Charlie Coles. Under Whitford and Cole’s direction, Miami reached the 1999 Sweet 16.

A cog on the 1999 Miami Sweet 16 team was current Ball State Associate Head Coach Jason Grunkemeyer. Grunkemeyer is the fifth most efficient three-point shooter in Miami history. On top of his years as a player for the RedHawks, he also spent his first five years out of school in a coaching role with the team.

Staying On Top 

After defeating Central Michigan by 12 points Saturday in Mt. Pleasant, Ball State broke a tie with the Chips atop the MAC West Division. However, Toledo kept pace with the Cardinals after hammering Miami 93-49.

Toledo and Ball State are both 7-5 in conference play. The Rockets travel to Central Michigan Tuesday night. Ball State will head to Toledo a week from today for a potential matchup of first place teams.