To hear first-year Ball State University coach Billy Taylor tell it, junior forward Anthony Newell's foot injury that kept him out of nine non-conference games was a blessing in disguise for the Cardinals. Not to say that Taylor doesn't wish Newell had been available.
"We're definitely a different team," Taylor said. "While we didn't have Anthony, we were really forced to become a much better defensive team. I would've liked to have Anthony for those nine games, but I do think we improved as a team."
Newell, who was named Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week Monday, currently leads the league in both scoring and rebounding, at 20.5 points and 10 rebounds per game through two conference contests.
Ball State, which has won two out of its last three games after a 0-11 start, is gaining confidence as its play has improved, Taylor said.
"When you play better and you're executing your game plan and challenging your opponent, you start to feel better about yourself," Taylor said. "We have three freshmen in our starting lineup, so there's a learning curve. We're seeing tremendous growth in our players."
However, Newell and his fellow forwards will be tested when Western Michigan University, the preseason MAC West favorite, visits the Cardinals. The Broncos are led by their big man, 6-foot-7-inch Joe Reitz, who was named preseason first team all-MAC this year.
"Reitz is a terrific player, a proven player in the MAC," Taylor said. "He has great footwork and can rebound extremely well. His ability to score in and around the basket and make plays for his teammates really makes him a difficult cover."
The Broncos sit at 7-8 on the season after being selected to win the West in the preseason but also own home victories against Davidson University and Southern Illinois University, two teams who began the season expecting to make their second straight NCAA tournament appearances.
"Preseason picks are always such a dice roll," Taylor said. "Western's got a lot of talent and they're certainly capable of being successful in this league. They've had a very tough schedule."
The coach said his team won't have any problems getting excited for the game. All six teams in the MAC West Division currently are 1-1 in the league.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get a gauge of where our team is," Taylor said. "I know our guys will be energized for this game; it will be a big test for us."
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