Ohio will take on the Mid-American Conference’s No.1 team for the second time this season, but this time on its home court. As the regular season approaches its end and the MAC tournament comes closer, every game down the stretch is important for Ohio, especially Saturday’s matchup.
Here is everything you need to know for Ohio’s showdown against Ball State.
Game Information
Opponent: Ball State Cardinals
Time and Date: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.
Location: The Convo
Watch on ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Meet the Opponent
Head Coach: Brady Sallee (12th season)
Projected Starters
#00 Ally Becki
#12 Nyla Hampton
#14 Marie Kiefer
#20 Alex Richard
#24 Madelyn Bischoff
Statistical Leaders
Points: Becki (13.4 per game)
Assists: Hampton (5.0 per game)
Rebounds: Richard (4.9 per game)
Steals: Hampton (3.3 per game)
Blocks: Kiefer (.79 per game)
Field Goal Percentage: Annie Rauch (61%)
3-point Percentage: Bischoff (45%)
Free Throw Percentage: Bischoff (84%)
Ball State Notes
Ball State has been the class of the MAC all season and still is, despite its first conference loss to Northern Illinois in overtime. Ohio was trounced on the road in its first game against Ball State, losing by over 30 points. This time, the game will be in Athens at The Convo, a town and arena that has been kind to Ohio all season as they post a 6-5 record at home compared to a 1-10 record on the road.
Ball State is a tough challenge for Ohio; it’s a team with plenty of experience that runs a different offense than most teams, complete with a lot of ball movement and unselfish playmaking. If Ohio can slay the giant of the MAC on Saturday, it would be a statement win down the stretch of the season.
Player to Watch: Nyla Hampton
Hampton is Ball State’s defensive ace, as she not only leads the team in steals, but also leads the entire conference in steals. She plays a key role on offense as well, leading the team in assists as one of two main distributors for the Cardinals, along with her teammate Ally Becki. Although she doesn’t score as much, watch out for Hampton’s impact on both ends of the floor.
