Over the past two Mid-American Conference games, Eastern Michigan and Kent State have put extended pressure on Ball State ball handlers, seemingly preying on the team’s biggest problem all season long — turnovers.
The Cardinals escaped Ypsilanti, Mich., with a win last week despite tying a season-high with 19 turnovers.
On Saturday, they weren’t so lucky.
Ball State trailed 35-20 at halftime to Kent State, and the team’s inability to take care of the ball — 18 more giveaways — derailed a second-half comeback attempt.
“I think a lot of times our turnovers are forced action, or we’re not all on the same page in terms of communication and organization,” coach Billy Taylor said. “In practice we’re not trying to force things because we’re comfortable saying no, I can get the next one. Sometimes in the game, we get a little anxious and think, I’ve got to get it back right now. We need to have that mindset that one mistake doesn’t become two.”
When the team plays at Akron (14-2, 2-0 MAC) today, Ball State (7-7, 1-1 MAC) is hoping one loss doesn’t become two.
To do so, Taylor said his team needs to withstand physical defense similar to Kent State’s, coupled with full-court pressure.
“Akron will do run-and-jump trapping more along the lines of VCU,” Taylor said. “They really try and turn you in the back court and get you to pick your dribble up or play passive with the ball. They trap hard and really rotate for steals.”
Throughout the season, Cardinal players have said they enjoy playing up-tempo basketball, and the Zips pressing style will force them too.
Taylor said Akron is most dangerous when the team gets steals and can get the ball in the hands of its junior point guard Alex Abreu.
“He really does everything well in transition,” Taylor said. “In the half court, if you’re able to stop their break, he can really dominate the offense playing pick-and-roll basketball. He really just breaks your defense down.”
When Abreu gets into the teeth of a defense, Taylor said his willingness to get others involved — 5.6 assists per game — is what makes the Zips’ offense so dangerous.
Abreu’s unselfishness to throw lobs to preseason All-MAC East Division center Zeke Marshall or set up shooters like Jake Kretzer and Brian Walsh drives the MAC’s top scoring offense that’s averaging 76.5 points per game.
“Last year’s team came from the bench with a wave of athleticism,” Taylor said. “You were almost shocked by their power and speed coming off the bench. This year, you’re more shocked by their 3-point shooting that comes off the bench. It’s something we’ll have to be prepared for because it’s unlike any other team we’ve faced.”
Today’s game at Akron rounds out arguably Ball State’s toughest stretch of conference games this season.
Before Saturday’s loss to Kent State, Ball State was 2-14 against MAC East Division teams in the last two seasons.
Despite the Zips’ league-leading record and all the odds against them, junior forward Chris Bond believes limiting the Cardinals’ 14.8 turnovers a game gives them a chance against anyone.
“It’s just our turnovers,” Bond said after the loss to Kent State. “Like Coach said, just taking care of the ball and executing our game plan, and we’ll be a good team.”
