Ball State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Picked Second In MAC West
October 27, 2005 | Men's Basketball
"I think I said this last year, but it's a credit to our players and the effort they put in," Buckley said. "You have to play the schedule. We learned last year that you can't quit playing, every possession in this league counts. I think we are making progress in terms of practice. We are competing, working hard and excited about getting started with the season."
The Cardinals, also picked second in last year's preseason poll, captured four votes as favorites to win the MAC Tournament. Toledo recorded 135 points -- including one vote to win the postseason tournament -- to BSU's 127 points. Western Michigan (114), Northern Illinois (97), Eastern Michigan (54) and Central Michigan (40) rounded out the preseason order in the West.
In the league's East Division, Ohio earned 153 points and 14 votes to win the MAC Tournament, followed by Akron's 120 points. Miami and Kent State each recorded 85 votes to tie for third, while Buffalo (79) and Bowling Green (45) completed the preseason picks in the East.
The Cardinals welcome the return of three starters, five letterwinners and five newcomers to the season. After an exhibition contest with Saginaw Valley State Nov. 12, Ball State opens the regular season with a Nov. 19 home contest with Oakland City.
Quotes & Notes From The MAC Media Days
Head Coach Tim Buckley on the preseason prediction:
"We feel like we will have a very good team. We also thought we had a good team last year in a league race that could have went to any team. We have to build on last year, remember the games that we let slip away and learn from those. We have to play the season and see how it pans out."
Head Coach Tim Buckley on the strengths of his team:
"Togetherness. Competitiveness. We have both and that combination is really exciting. Our guys know that if you don't bring it and finish out practices, it's going to be tough to get in games."
Head Coach Tim Buckley on his team:
"We know what we have to have from guys like Peyton and Skip. I think the biggest key to any team could be the 6, 7 and 8 guys. What they bring to the team, what they contribute is crucial to any success we have."
Head Coach Tim Buckley on the Mid-American Conference:
"I think we know where we are as a league. I know it is used over and over again, but the MAC is as tough a conference as you will find from top to bottom. It's a league where the team that gets hot for three days in March is the only guarantee. That's how it works."
Peyton Stovall on his first MAC Media Days:
"This was fun. To represent my team and all the guys is an honor and something I won't take for granted. To see the other preseason selections, other MAC coaches and the media was a neat opportunity. All the guys want to be back here in Cleveland in March."
Peyton Stovall on the team:
"We all want a MAC Championship. We all know how much time, work and dedication goes into it. We also care for the program and care for each other. We have the sense that we need to play every game like its our last."
MAC TV: The Mid-American Conference announced its 2005-06 men's basketball television schedule Thursday at Media Day with a total of at least 22 games to be featured on FSN Ohio, Comcast Local and ESPN Networks. The MAC could be featured in more games based on who is selected to participate in ESPN Bracket Buster Saturday.
While several "MAC Games of the Week" will be announced during the season, one game -- Eastern Michigan at Ball State, Feb. 4 (Comcast Local) -- has been determined.
2005 MAC Preseason Predictions
Preseason MAC West Division
1. Toledo 135 (1)
2. Ball State 127 (4)
3. Western Michigan 114
4. Northern Illinois 97
5. Eastern Michigan 54
6. Central Michigan 40
Preseason MAC East Division
1. Ohio 153 (14 votes to win MAC tournament)
2. Akron 120 (5)
T3. Miami 85 (2)
T3. Kent State 85
5. Buffalo 79
6. Bowling Green 45
