Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
4-6
Valparaiso
3-6
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valparaiso | 19 | 21 | 40 |
| Ball State | 30 | 31 | 61 |
Stovall Leads Four In Double Figures In Win Over Valpo
December 18, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Behind an offensive attack led by Peyton Stovall and Anthony Newell,
Offense wasn't the only thing going well for the Cardinals however as
Four Cardinals had two-or-more steals, led by Stovall with three.
“I believe the press was key for us today,” BSU head coach Ronny Thompson said. “The next thing is to convert and we did that today too. I think our athleticism, length and desire really shined through today.”
“I thought Skip Mills played tough defense and really got us going,” Thompson said. “He guarded their best player well, but today was a total team effort. I thought we played as a collective team today and we showed progress.”
A big contributor to the defensive pressure and progress was Newell, who had two steals to accompany his 13 points and nine rebounds.
“Even when we didn't press, we pressured the ball at half court and it threw them off," Newell said. "We're definitely getting more comfortable with the press. It's getting to where we don't even have to think about it anymore.”
“I think our guys out there are just long, athletic and quick,” Stovall said. “That helps out a lot when you're hungry and playing defense. Coach keeps telling us our offense will come when we defend.”
Stovall's offense was dead-on as he shot 71 percent for the game, including 3-of-3 from behind the arc. His 13 points matches his season high set against
“Stovall is turning the corner,” Thompson said. “He and I spent a lot of time talking and I told him he just needs to play. In the game today, he played and played well. He was a big part of our success.”
In addition to the 13 points each from Stovall and Newell, Mills finished with 12 points and D'Andre Peyton added 11. Micah Rollin scored nine points and grabbed eight boards.
The Cardinals return home for their second straight contest Tuesday night when Temple visits Muncie for the first time in school history. The Owls are 4-3 overall after a 75-70 win Saturday at Towson.
“Were progressing,” Thompson said. “At the start of the year, I wanted this team to be a tough team physically and mentally. It's hard to see the results with our tough schedule. I think were making progress. Our guys are hungry and it shows.”
Tuesday's game is being billed as "Holiday Hoops, Saluting The Troops, Presented By Stoops" as all military men, women and families will be recognized. BSU and Stoops is offering two free tickets per valid military ID for Tuesday's game, plus a fan will have the chance to win a new car from Stoops during the game.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ballstatesports.com or by calling the BSU Ticket Office at 1.888.BSU.TICKET.
