GAME NOTES: Mid-American Conference action will take place this afternoon when they Eastern Michigan Eagles host the Ball State Cardinals at the Convocation Center. It has been a dreadful year for the Cardinals, who have just five victories in 26 games. The team has also struggled in league play, posting a mere 4-9 ledger. Ball State has dropped eight of its last 10 games, with the most recent setback coming this past weekend, as the team was defeated by Eastern Kentucky, 51-48. As for the Eagles, they have won four of their last six matchups, including a thrilling, 86-82 win over Southeast Missouri State this past Saturday. EMU has been a tad inconsistent on the year, posting an 11-15 mark. However, the majority of the team's success has come at home where the squad is 8-4 on the season. The Eagles are just 6-7 in league play, and will close out their season against Toledo and Northern Illinois. Earlier this season, the Cardinals grabbed a slim, 64-60 victory over Eastern Michigan, pushing their lead in the all-time series to 50-31.

The Cardinals' disappointing season can be attributed to the team's horrific play offensively, as the squad is producing a mere 57.4 ppg, while shooting just 39.7 percent from the floor. Anthony Newell has been one of the few bright spots on the year, as the forward is leading the team with 16.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg. Peyton Stovall is also contributing double-figures on the season and comes into this matchup with 13.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg. Ball State's poor offensive play continued this past weekend, as the squad was held to just 48 points in a loss to Eastern Kentucky. Ball State shot just 39.6 percent from the floor and made just 3-of-6 free throw attempts. In the loss, Stovall led the way with 22 points and nine rebounds. Newell grabbed 11 rebounds, but struggled from the field, netting just 3-of-15 attempts for only six points.

The Eagles exploded at the offensive end of the floor this past weekend, as the team scored 86 points en route to a thrilling win over Southeast Missouri State. EMU only shot 40.7 percent from the floor in the contest, but used a 33-of-41 clip from the foul line to its advantage. It was a shocking performance for EMU, which is producing just 65.9 ppg on the season, and comes into this matchup with a mediocre 42.2 shooting percentage. Jarred Axon was sensational in the win, scoring a whopping 29 points off the bench. As for the team's leading scorer, Carlos Medlock (14.2 ppg), he finished with 24 points and six assists in the win, but the majority of his points came from the foul line (16-of-18). Justin Dobbins chipped in 10 points off the bench and is second on the team with 9.8 ppg.

Neither team has been overly impressive offensively, but the Eagles have played well at home and should be able to slip past the Cardinals, who have just one road win this season.