GAME NOTES: The Eastern Michigan Eagles will try to remain in the win column when they take on the Ball State Cardinals this afternoon in a Mid-American Conference showdown at Worthen Arena. After losing five consecutive games, the Eagles have won back-to-back matchups, defeating Western Michigan (81-71) and Northern Illinois (65-61). The recent win over the Huskies was the third victory on the road for EMU this year, and it was also the team's second win in league play. Next up for EMU will be a home matchup against Toledo. As for the Cardinals, they are coming off a rough, 71-45 setback to Western Michigan. It was the 13th loss of the season for Ball State, which is now 2-7 at home this season. This is just the third conference matchup for Ball State, which is 1-1 in league action. Eastern Michigan has won three of the last four meetings against Ball State, but the Cardinals still hold a 49-31 lead over EMU.

Slowly, but surely the Eagles are improving offensively, and head into this matchup netting 66.4 ppg, while shooting 41.3 percent from the field. Carlos Medlock is only shooting 35.1 percent on the season, but is leading the team with 12.6 ppg to go along with a team-high 4.5 apg. Jesse Bunkley has done a solid job as well, posting 11.4 ppg. Doing the majority of the work down low has been Justin Dobbins, who is averaging 10.9 ppg and a team-high 5.6 rpg. The last time EMU was on the floor, it posted a hard-fought four-point win over Northern Illinois. The Eagles shot 44.0 percent from the field in the victory and also connected on 11-of-27 attempts from long range. Jarred Axon was huge off the bench, scoring 23 points in 24 minutes of action. Dobbins added 11 points and seven boards, while Medlock and Bunkley contributed 10 points apiece.

As for the Cardinals, they have had struggles offensively throughout the season, which has led to their terrible 2-13 ledger. Ball State is currently producing a mere 56.1 ppg, while shooting a woeful 38.9 percent from the field. The return of Anthony Newell a few games ago has been extremely helpful, as the forward is posting 19.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg. The only other player netting double figures is Peyton Stovall, who is contributing 15.0 ppg to go along with 6.3 rpg. The Cardinals' issues were on full display this past Wednesday, as the team scored just 45 points in a 26-point loss to Western Michigan. Ball State shot a meager 23.1 percent from the floor, and made just 3-of-14 shots from behind the arc. Stovall led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds. As for Newell, he made just 2-of-10 attempts from the field, but still finished with 13 points.

The Eagles are riding a small wave of momentum, and although they are on the road, they are very capable of stealing a win here.