BY BAYLEN HITE | Ball State Sports Link
The Cardinals are hoping to bounce back after a 59-57 loss to Northern Kentucky Wednesday Night in Worthen Arena. The score, albeit close, was within reach of Ball State as they missed opportunities at the free-throw line.
Ball State shot a lowly 9-for-26 at the charity stripe allowing the Norse to hang on for the close win.
The Cardinals now welcome (0-6) Howard for the second straight season. Last year, the Cardinals handled the Bison 98-71 in Worthen and will look for the same result Saturday.
Listen to Saturday’s game LIVE with SL Digital.
About The Bison
Howard has struggled mightily early on this season still looking for their first win. The Bison to their credit have played some upper-echelon talent.
Howard has faced Notre Dame, MAC rival Toledo and Marshall.
Kenneth Blakney is the head man for Howard in his first season at the helm for the Bison. He played under coach Mike Krzyzewski and has had quite the coaching pedigree. Blakney also assisted Notre Dame coach Mike Brey and Tommy Amaker at Harvard.
Howard is lead by senior guard Charles Williams who was a preseason All MEAC pick. Williams leads the Bison averaging 17.8 points and is 14th nationally in field goal attempts (90) and in FT attempts (35).
What you Need to Know
● The Cardinals have held 4 of their 5 opponents to under 60 points this season. They rank 22nd nationally in scoring defense.
● Senior Kyle Mallers found his 3-point shooting stroke against Northen Kentucky. The senior made four 3-pointers against the Norse and finished with 17 points. He leads the Cardinals shooting 46% from beyond the arch.
● Ball State is two decent free throw shooting performances away from (5-0). They struggled against Evansville shooting 6-15 and 9-26 from the line in the loss against Northern Kentucky. Ball State is shooting 49% from at the free-throw line through five games.
The game on Saturday presents a good opportunity for Ball Stat to even this home stand at 1-1.
