Ohio is in the midst of a three-game losing streak, and it hopes to end that skid when it travels to Muncie, Indiana, for a Mid-American Conference game against Ball State.
The Bobcats (10-11, 2-6 MAC) still only have wins against Eastern Michigan on their conference resume. There’s still some reason for optimism, however, as the Bobcats have lost three of their six conference games by a combined seven points.
In its most recent loss, a 61-59 defeat at Northern Illinois, Ohio had an opportunity to send the game into overtime, but freshman Ben Roderick missed the game-typing jumper from the top of the key.
Ball State (11-9, 4-3 MAC) currently is on a two-game losing streak after losses against Bowling Green and Central Michigan. In both of those games, the Cardinals didn’t lead at halftime, though they did outscore the Falcons and the Chippewas in the second half.
Here’s a closer look at the Cardinals and information for Saturday’s game.
Game information
Opponent: Ball State Cardinals (11-9, 4-3 MAC)
Game time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Worthen Arena
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Ohio IMG Sports Network
Meet the opponent
Starters
25 Tahjai Teague (6-8, 215)
5 Ishmael El-Amin (6-1, 180)
11 Jarron Coleman (6-5, 205)
2 Luke Bumbalough (6-1, 180)
14 Kyle Mallers (6-7, 220)
Individual statistical leaders
Points: Teague (15 per game)
Rebounds: Teague (9 per game)
Assists: Coleman (2.75 per game)
Field goal percentage: Teague (.515 per game)
3-point percentage: El-Amin (.431)
Free throw percentage: Mallers (.857)
Team statistical profile
Points per game: 70.7
Rebounds per game: 36.7
Assists per game: 14.1
Turnovers per game: 13.1
Field goal percentage: .433
3-point percentage: .333
Free throw percentage: .651
The series
Ohio leads the all-time series 46-33. The Bobcats swept the Cardinals last season with a 70-52 win in Muncie, and a 78-74 win at home. Ohio has won five out of the last six times with its last loss in the 2017-18 season.
Player to watch
Tahjai Teague – In Ohio’s last three games, it’s played against the league’s top three leading scorers. While Teague isn’t even in the top-10, he does hold the No. 4 spot in the conference for rebounds per game and No. 7 in field goal percentage.
The redshirt senior has ample experience in the MAC and has led Ball State to a firm grasp for third place in the West Division.
