After a disappointing 87-68 defeat to Detroit Mercy on Thursday, Ball State will look to improve to .500 as it plays Stetson of the Atlantic Sun conference in a 1 p.m. tip off this afternoon.
Much like the Titans, the Hatters will not be an easy task for the Cardinals.
The Hatters (6-2) have won two of their last three games, including a 71-62 victory over Miami (OH) of the Mid-American Conference on Nov. 25, and a 68-60 triumph over ETSU on Dec. 1. In addition, the Hatters own a 5-2 non-conference mark so far this season.
Stetson has started five players in every game this season, including freshmen Clarissa Coddington and Cherisse Burris along with sophomore Sasha Sims and juniors Shanasa Sanders and Victoria McGowan.
Sanders was named the Atlantic Sun Newcomer of the Week after recording a career-highs in points with 24 and rebounds with eight. McGowan and Sims are also legitimate offensive threats for the Hatters. McGowan averages 14 points per game, and has recorded eight 20-point games in her career. Sims leads the group with 68 total rebounds, an average of 8.5 per game and averages more than 11 points per game.
It will be key for senior captains Amber Crago and Suzanne Grossnickle along with sophomore Katie Murphy to limit the Hatters' second chance opportunities on the boards.
The Cardinals will also look for an improved team chemistry. Against the Titans, they couldn't maintain consistent offensive pressure, taking unnecessary shots and not getting clean looks at the basket. Ball State also struggled defensively against freshman Shareta Brown, who scored at will.
Nonetheless, Crago is confident that the Cardinals can overcome Thursday's 19-point loss and focus their attention on the Hatters.
"We [had] Friday off and we just [have] to come back [today] focused and united," Crago said. "That's our biggest thing. If you're together you can do anything. We just got to get our rest and come back ready to hit it."
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