Ball State can breath a sigh of relief now that its Mid-American Conference East Division crossover is almost over.
Well, almost.
Before the Cardinals return to West action next week, they must face arguably their toughest assignment yet on the road at Kent State.
The Golden Flashes are on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to the Cardinals. Ball State has lost five in a row, while Kent State boosts a five game winning streak.
"Kent State is unique because they've got five guys that can score the ball at a really high level," coach Billy Taylor said. "They do a great job of forcing the tempo and playing at a fast pace."
All five of the Flashes starters average above or right around 10 points per game. Justin Greene, the reigning MAC Player of the Year, leads the charge with 13 points per game and six rebounds.
Greene had 20 points in Kent State's victory over Ball State in the MAC Tournament semifinals last season. He will without a doubt get most of the attention when he's on the floor.
The only question is, who's guarding last season's best player?
"It'll be by committee," Taylor said. "Aaron (Adeoye) will get quality time on him as well as Jarrod (Jones). We're going to need big active bodies to limit his easy touches."
The Cardinals have lost all five of their games versus MAC East opponents this season. If Ball State (12-10, 4-6 MAC) loses versus Kent State (17-6, 7-3 MAC) it will be the first time the Cardinals go winless in crossover action since the MAC expanded to two divisions in the 1997-78 season.
Ball State's five-game skid is the longest for the program since Taylor's first season as head coach.
Although the team as a whole is struggling, a bright spot for Ball State has been the emergence of 6-foot-6 freshman Aaron Adeoye. Adeoye has had solid back-to-back performances for the Cardinals.
Adeoye posted his first double-double Wednesday against Bowling Green with 10 points and 10 boards. He showed off some range as well hitting several jump shots near the elbow.
Coming into Wednesday's game Adeoye had 37 points and 50 rebounds in the first 19 games. Over the past two games he's had 18 points and 21 rebounds.
"(Adeoye) brings 100 percent effort ever time," Taylor said. "He's played with a level of toughness and hustle that is great to see out of a freshman. We hope that it inspires some of our other guys."
Ball State will likely be without the services of forwards Matt Kamieniecki and Tyler Koch. Kamieniecki has been sidelined by a back injury.
Koch has not returned to the team after leaving to go back home to be with his family. According to an obituary released by Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, his brother, 23-year-old Sean Matthew Koch, died Thursday due to herion overdose.
Taylor said he hadn't spoken with Koch yet and had no further comments on the situation.
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