vs Ball State - 12/17/2022 - 2:30 PM - ESPN+

[ISU86]

A week to take finals (and an opportune break to heal up) precedes the 'birds playing a neutral site game in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against (way long ago) fellow (then known as University Division, now Division I) Conference of Midwestern Universities member Ball State.

BSU sports a 6-4 record; however, two of their wins are against non D-I opposition. They are 2-1 versus the MVC (defeating Evansville and Missouri State, losing to Indiana State), plus they went to Charleston and beat Eastern Illinois by 17 (whereas we won by 5). We have also played them each of the prior two seasons (losing by 16 in Muncie, then winning by 21 in Normal). Harouna Sissoko is the only remaining player that actually played in both games (even started at Worthen Arena).

This just has the feel of a "one step back" game, which would not be unexpected. The team has played well, and honestly winning games without key parts available can only benefit us in the future. They still come out of the gate cold, and it will bite them again at some point in time. I think this will be one.

Cardinals 72, Redbirds 69

 

[Redbird222]

I have not seen Ball St play this year but looking over the team stats they are very efficient offensively and not stellar on defense.

I think defensive post play may be a key in this game for us. Peyton Sparks 6'9 240 sophomore is their leading scorer and rebounder. He averages 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He is shooting 61.4% from the field and averages 7.6 FT per game. He averaged 6.5 FT attemps as a freshman. Last year he shot 70% FT but only 50% FT this year. With over 200 attempts last year I am assuming he is better than his 50%.

Based on his size and those statistics I think we will be playing a physical player inside. He only scored 8 pts against us last year (3 for 4 with 2 FT) and I don't really remember him. We had a more physical player in Chatman last year. Can the current front contain him without getting into foul trouble?

I am not sure on Liam's status but this may not be the best matchup for him. We may need other players to step up for us again in the post

I am wondering if playing in a large professional arena and will impact our 3 pt shooting.

I also was thinking about finals week. I never like the game after finals ... 7 day layoffs and you never know how much those players went through taking the finals.

I like our momentum and the team is starting to play with some confidence. I expect another close game. If we can compete defensively inside we can win this one.

 

[Phantom]

This one will be interesting to see how the guys respond going to a neutral site after a string of hard fought wins followed by a week off. It's clear there's been a sort of emotional high after the win at Horton, but hopefully the week off since (exams notwithstanding) has done more recharging than losing the legs. We need to defend the paint better and hit the glass harder than last game, and stay out of foul trouble. Tough one to call, but we can win this.

 

[DannyCooksey]

Go Birds!

 

[Tpguy]

I have not seen Ball St play this year but looking over the team stats they are very efficient offensively and not stellar on defense.

I think defensive post play may be a key in this game for us. Peyton Sparks 6'9 240 sophomore is their leading scorer and rebounder. He averages 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He is shooting 61.4% from the field and averages 7.6 FT per game. He averaged 6.5 FT attemps as a freshman. Last year he shot 70% FT but only 50% FT this year. With over 200 attempts last year I am assuming he is better than his 50%.

Based on his size and those statistics I think we will be playing a physical player inside. He only scored 8 pts against us last year (3 for 4 with 2 FT) and I don't really remember him. We had a more physical player in Chatman last year. Can the current front contain him without getting into foul trouble?

I am not sure on Liam's status but this may not be the best matchup for him. We may need other players to step up for us again in the post

I am wondering if playing in a large professional arena and will impact our 3 pt shooting.

I also was thinking about finals week. I never like the game after finals ... 7 day layoffs and you never know how much those players went through taking the finals.

I like our momentum and the team is starting to play with some confidence. I expect another close game. If we can compete defensively inside we can win this one.

any word on Liam

 

[BirdGrad2011]

I am not sure on Liam's status but this may not be the best matchup for him. We may need other players to step up for us again in the post

We need Liam. If he keeps playing like he did against Belmont we need to worry less about his matchup and they need to worry more about him. He’s a unicorn with his size and ability. He just needs to put it together more consistently.

 

[DaveBird10]

We need Liam. If he keeps playing like he did against Belmont we need to worry less about his matchup and they need to worry more about him. He’s a unicorn with his size and ability. He just needs to put it together more consistently.

I have not seen Ball St play this year but looking over the team stats they are very efficient offensively and not stellar on defense.

I think defensive post play may be a key in this game for us. Peyton Sparks 6'9 240 sophomore is their leading scorer and rebounder. He averages 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He is shooting 61.4% from the field and averages 7.6 FT per game. He averaged 6.5 FT attemps as a freshman. Last year he shot 70% FT but only 50% FT this year. With over 200 attempts last year I am assuming he is better than his 50%.

Based on his size and those statistics I think we will be playing a physical player inside. He only scored 8 pts against us last year (3 for 4 with 2 FT) and I don't really remember him. We had a more physical player in Chatman last year. Can the current front contain him without getting into foul trouble?

I am not sure on Liam's status but this may not be the best matchup for him. We may need other players to step up for us again in the post.

Pedon thought Monday night that Liam would be questionable, I thought last Saturday it was a good sign that he seemed to be moving pretty good and walking pretty good.
My guess is we might see Schmitt and Sissoko since they seemed to play better in the post with Liam's absence last Saturday. With regards to Liam I think some is the coaching staff is getting better at realizing what players like Liam can do and even this staff does a great job of noticing what player has it that night and attacking with that player. EMU it was Sandage and Knight then SIUE it was Burford and Sandage. We might see different scorers every game and I am certainly alright with that, see what players have it and attack with them. I do think some of the success before Liam got hurt was realizing Liam can play in the post, until the Murray State and Belmont games they didn't Liam in the post that much.

 

[Adunk33]

I do think some of the success before Liam got hurt was realizing Liam can play in the post, until the Murray State and Belmont games they didn't Liam in the post that much.

Liam reminds me a bit of Teddy Hawkins. When Hawkins first started playing at ISU, he did a lot of standing around the three point line. As time progressed, he posted up more and leaned more into his mid-range game which helped open up more shots from 3 for him.

Same could be for Liam. He obviously does not have the bulk to be a fulltime back to the basket post player but his length allows him to shoot over most guys guarding him. Then he can pick his spots from 3. If he can hit that hook shot from the post he's got at a high clip...kid could very easily start averaging 15+ per game, when healthy. That shot is damn near unguardable with his length. It's just a matter of getting into position to take it.

 

[Baltimore Bird]

This will be a very challenging game for us. It is close to a home game for BSU. Our Birds need to play well in this type of environment.
All that said.....Ball State 72, ISU 65
I sure hope I am wrong.

 

[Hamdonger]

This one will be interesting to see how the guys respond going to a neutral site after a string of hard fought wins followed by a week off. It's clear there's been a sort of emotional high after the win at Horton, but hopefully the week off since (exams notwithstanding) has done more recharging than losing the legs. We need to defend the paint better and hit the glass harder than last game, and stay out of foul trouble. Tough one to call, but we can win this.

Exactly where I'm at. The break interrupts our momentum...but I believe we needed it. 4 games in 10 days with a very emotional and tight game to end it.

The SIUE big gave us some problems. I really enjoyed watching him play. I anticipate some issues with the Ball State big.

 

[Hamdonger]

We need Liam to be an inside and outside player, consistently. The ball moves better with a big involved in the post...with our offense. Although Kotov hung on to the ball a little more than I liked. While I want Liam to score, and he can...I see his biggest impact on this team (and maybe most importantly) landing in offensive rebounding and altering opponent's shots. He and Kendall really get after the offensive boards and those plays are momentum shifters.

Liam's lower body size and strength does limit his inside effectiveness.

 

[Birdswin]

Sandage scored 33 points last year with WIU vs Ball State - I would have to believe he is looking forward to this game.

 

[MadBird]

Give Sissoko a chance. Give him 8 or 10 minutes. When that point in the game comes, and it usually comes around in most games, that we need a little inside muscle, D-up on some big dude, or hit the boards a couple times hard, send him in, let him do his thing. Who knows? Might pay off somewhere around March.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Liam reminds me a bit of Teddy Hawkins. When Hawkins first started playing at ISU, he did a lot of standing around the three point line. As time progressed, he posted up more and leaned more into his mid-range game which helped open up more shots from 3 for him.

Same could be for Liam. He obviously does not have the bulk to be a fulltime back to the basket post player but his length allows him to shoot over most guys guarding him. Then he can pick his spots from 3. If he can hit that hook shot from the post he's got at a high clip...kid could very easily start averaging 15+ per game, when healthy. That shot is damn near unguardable with his length. It's just a matter of getting into position to take it.

I like this comp a lot. I would just say Liam has a higher ceiling but also possibly a lower floor. If Liam can get stronger then the sky is truly the limit.

 

[Phantom]

Give Sissoko a chance. Give him 8 or 10 minutes. When that point in the game comes, and it usually comes around in most games, that we need a little inside muscle, D-up on some big dude, or hit the boards a couple times hard, send him in, let him do his thing. Who knows? Might pay off somewhere around March.

That's exactly what happened against SIUE. Sissoko's minutes were game-changing for us, not including the big block. Their bigs were killing us inside and as soon as he stepped in, some of that threat was neutralized. He got us some big boards and big FTs. I think he earned more minutes on Saturday because of that alone.

 

[DoubleDeuce]

From the first game I couldn't wait to get Sissoko back. This team was seriously liking toughness. The overall team toughness seems to have improved but injecting him into the mix really kicks it up a notch.

 

[redbirdron1]

When I visited with H and Cheese preseason, I told H I bet that Pedon had plans for him to fill r Void as the Junkyard Dog and do the dirty work; he laughed and said that’s exactly what the staff had told him his important role would b.
Pedon is genuine with these guys - he’s sold Lewis on being r guy and Leader and look how he came out of the blocks to start the season.
Coach P believes in roles, buyin and game by game improvement- u think a guy like Sandage isn’t over his skis with his role.

 

[GOP_Redbird]

I think it would be wise for Coach Pedon to tell his guys to leave your cell phones in the bag… we are going to watch #1 Purdue play and see if we can pick-up some things from the seats after their game.

 

[Adunk33]

I think it would be wise for Coach Pedon to tell his guys to leave your cell phones in the bag… we are going to watch #1 Purdue play and see if we can pick-up some things from the seats after their game.

Pedon said a few weeks back that he shows the team Purdue clips so they can see how they team rebound.

 

[Redbird28]

Was thinking about driving over to Indy tomorrow to watch this game. Has anyone came across any cheaper tickets?