Here are the keys for the Ball State Cardinals, as they go for their first MAC West title since the George W. Bush presidency.

Ball State moved to 4-1 on the season and is set to square off with 4-1 Western Michigan at Scheumann Stadium with a MAC West Championship on the line.

With a win today, the Cardinals would put themselves in position to win the MAC West title next week against Western Michigan.

Saturday proves to be another close game. Five of the past six meetings between the Cardinals and the Chippewas have been decided by three points or fewer.

Now sporting a 3-1 record and controlling its own destiny in the MAC West, Ball State finds itself in a position it could get used to.

Ball State has consistently played in close games in conference play, with eight of the last 11 games being decided by a score or less, including all three games this year.

Ball State faces three MAC West contenders in a row to finish the regular season starting Saturday at Toledo.

Senior guard Ishmael El-Amin highlights an experienced Ball State squad that can do real damage in the MAC and beyond this season.