GAME NOTES: The Ohio Bobcats will try to remain perfect at home when they host the Ball State Cardinals this afternoon in a Mid-American Conference tilt at the Convocation Center. After opening the year with 11 consecutive losses, the Cardinals have gone 3-3 over their last six games. Unfortunately, the last time the team was on the court, it suffered a heartbreaking, 60-58 setback to Northern Illinois. The loss dropped BSU to 2-3 in league action and also left the team with a terrible 0-7 mark on the road. As for the Bobcats, they have won three of their last four games, including two in a row. The last time Ohio was on the court the team grabbed a 68-59 victory over Buffalo. The Bobcats are an impressive 42-5 at the Convocation Center since the beginning of the 2004-05 campaign and that includes the team's 6-0 mark at home this year. Ball State defeated Ohio, 69-57 last season. Despite the loss, Ohio still holds a 36-30 lead in the all-time series over the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have had trouble performing at the offensive end of the floor and come into this matchup averaging just 56.6 ppg, while shooting only 38.9 percent from the field. The team has received a slight boost with the return of Anthony Newell. Newell missed nine games this season, but in the eight games he has participated in, the forward is leading the team with 18.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg. Peyton Stovall is the only other player netting double figures for Ball State, as the guard is chipping in 14.6 ppg. The last time BSU was on the court the team's offensive struggles continued, as the team shot just 35.0 percent from the field en route to a two-point loss to Northern Illinois. Ball State also went just 4-of-14 from long range and made only 12-of-19 attempts from the foul line. Newell poured in 24 points in the loss, while Stovall tallied 11.

The Bobcats are more consistent offensively when compared to their counterpart. Ohio comes into this matchup with three players averaging double figures, beginning with Leon Williams, who is averaging 15.6 ppg to go along with a team-high 9.9 rpg. Jerome Tillman has also played well in the paint for Ohio, as the forward is posting 14.3 ppg to go along with 7.5 rpg. Bubba Walther has been the best option in the backcourt for the Bobcats. Walther is shooting just 36.1 percent from the field, but is still chipping in 11.1 ppg. The last time Ohio was on the court the team grabbed a 68-59 victory over Buffalo. In the win, the Bobcats shot 47.9 percent from the floor and made 9-of-21 attempts from behind the arc. Bert Whittington IV scored 22 points, while Tommy Freeman came off the bench to contributed 13 points. Tillman tallied 11 points and grabbed nine boards, while Williams chipped in 10 points to go along with nine rebounds.

The Bobcats have far too much talent offensively, and should have no trouble remaining perfect at home.