The Ball State men's basketball team is gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Worthen Arena. This contest marks a key moment for both teams, who come together after recent success, setting the stage for competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC) action.
Both teams are riding winning streaks as they enter this pivotal game. Miami (OH) sits at 9-4 overall and 1-0 within the MAC, having won their last three games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals hold a record of 7-6 and are also 1-0 within the conference, coming off four consecutive victories. The Cardinals will look to extend their winning streak and push their early-season momentum forward.
The historical rivalry favors Miami (OH), who leads the all-time series 68-43; nonetheless, Ball State possesses a slight home advantage, standing at 27-26 against the RedHawks when playing at Worthen Arena. The last encounter at this venue saw Miami edging Ball State 87-80 in overtime, adding intensity to this matchup.
This game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+, with commentary provided by Mick Tidrow and David Eha. Fans wanting to listen to the action can tune in to WMUN 1340AM or 92.5 FM, where Mark Foerster and Scot Bunnell will handle the radio coverage.
Both teams come equipped with impressive statistics. Miami (OH) has demonstrated explosive offensive capabilities, averaging 83.2 points per game, ranking them among the top offensives nationally. They also excel at making the three-point shot, converting 11.7 threes per contest, which places them fifth nationally. Kam Craft is leading the charge for Miami, averaging 15.7 points per game and known for his three-point shooting prowess, landing 3.4 successful shots from beyond the arc per game.
On the other hand, Ball State has proven to be formidable defensively, holding opponents to just 40.3% shooting—a leading statistic within the MAC. Their defensive strategy was highlighted during their last win against Kent State, where they limited their opponents to just 1-for-11 shooting over the game’s final minutes and achieved 35.8% shooting overall, securing victory 75-67.
Jermahri Hill, who has been making significant contributions to the Ball State roster, leads the Cardinals with 16.6 points per game and has shown playmaking abilities, recording 2.7 assists per game. His performance, alongside graduate guard Jeremiah Hernandez, who has been scoring consistently, has been pivotal for Ball State's recent success.
The game presents exciting matchups including sophomore guard Mekhi Cooper from Miami, noted for his passing skills, as he distributes 3.6 assists per game. Miami's frontcourt is bolstered by Antwone Woolfolk, their leading rebounder with 5.8 boards per game, setting the tone for offensive rebounds. Comparatively, Mickey Pearson Jr. has held his own for Ball State, averaging 6.2 rebounds and contributing double figures on the scoreboard as well.
Betting lines suggest Miami (OH) holds a slight edge as one-point favorites, as analytical assessments show both teams combine to average 158.7 points per game—significantly exceeding the matchup’s point total set at 145.5 points. With this expected scoring volume, it hints at another thrilling game for fans and analysts alike.
With Ball State’s emphasis on tight defense and Miami’s offensive firepower, the game promises to be filled with pivotal moments, showcasing strategies from both sides as they battle for early MAC supremacy. Fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious from this encounter under the bright lights of Worthen Arena.