Over the past two games, Ball State played the likes of Akron's high-scoring offense and Ohio's athletic backcourt in Mid-American Conference crossover play.
Last week's games featured guard play, but coach Billy Taylor said Wednesday's game at Buffalo will be won far closer to the basket.
"Their game is based around their interior guys," Taylor said. "Rebounding is going to be a key for us. Can we rebound, can we go get it? Because they've got a strong, physical front line. If you don't go get the basketball, you'll be in for a long night."
Long nights are customary at Alumni Arena this season. Buffalo is 8-1 at home with wins over division-leading Akron and Eastern Michigan. The team's one home loss came back on Dec. 3 to St. Bonaventure.
Despite the recent history, Taylor said this Bulls team brings something new.
"I think they're different because of what [Javon] McCrae brings offensively," Taylor said. "His game has gotten better and better from freshman to sophomore year. A guy who scores on the interior with either hand. He's got a quick second jump and gets a lot of rebound put backs."
McCrae ranks third in the MAC in scoring average, 16.4 points per game, and is tied for fourth in rebounding with teammate Mitchell Watt at 7.5 rebounds per game. Watt is sixth in the MAC in scoring at 14.9 points per game.
While McCrae, 6'7", 245 lb., gets most of the attention, Taylor was quick to praise his counterpart during Monday's press conference.
"Mitchell Watt is playing at another level this season," Taylor said.
Both players contribute heavily to the Bulls' effectiveness on the glass. Buffalo is first in the MAC and fourth nationally in rebounds per game with 41.4.
Since Ball State's 78-69 win over Western Michigan on Jan. 7, the team is searching for its first win over an opponent with a .500 conference record or better. Buffalo is 5-2 and third in the MAC East Division.
After losses to Akron and Ohio, Taylor's preseason goal of winning the MAC Tournament seems ambitious. He, however, said he sees it differently.
"Losing two games in a row, sometimes you lose perspective," Taylor said. "When you go watch film, get away and get a clear mind — we're not far off. We're right there."
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