What do I see in an 0-9 road team tonight? I see a team that is extremely anxious to get their first road win. They are not 0-9 because they are bad on the road. Well Okay their stats are pretty bad, but if you look at some of the games you will realize they are a much better team than Ball State. First of all both in conference road games were against top MAC teams @ Akron and @ Buffalo.
Actually the strength of schedule that Miami Ohio has faced in and out of conference is no contest when you compare to Ball State and I believe they are falling under the radar here. Miami (OH) has faced an average in conference RPI of 117.8 while Ball State has faced an average 212.2 RPI. Miami OH is 3-2 while Ball State is 2-3 and have not faced any top talent out of the MAC.
So back to this 0-9 road record. This team lost @Xavier by 3 as +14 dogs, @Cincinatti by 4 as +16 dogs, @Kentucky by 2 as +17.5 dogs and they lost @ Colorado another top program. The experience on the road is there clearly and it will finally pay off here tonight. Ball State is 8-20 in their last 28 as a home dog and I don't see how they come through with a win here.
Miami Ohio is 5-2 when they out rebound their opponents something I see as very do able here tonight. Their starters outweigh Ball State by 15.4 pounds on average. They also are much taller in the front although Fletcher and Jones match up at 6'9, Miami Ohios Fletcher is 11 pounds heavier and the better player. The front court of Miami OH will be able to help out and crash the boards here to help keep this game in check.
