Ball State University Athletics
WBB Hosts Eastern Michigan Thursday in MAC Opener
January 04, 2012 | Women's Basketball
Ball State (5-8, MAC 0-0) vs.
Eastern Michigan (8-5, MAC 0-0)
Thursday, 7 p.m. (EST)
Worthen Arena (Capacity 11,500)
Muncie, Ind.
Internet: www.ballstatesports.com
Radio: WERK (104.9 FM) - Jay Garrison
WCRD (91.3) - Donnie Kolakowski and Sean Stewart
Scouting Ball State: The Ball State women's basketball team begins Mid-American Conference play Thursday with an overall record of 5-8. The Cardinals are coming off of a 60-58 loss to Marshall on New Years Eve. Ball State was led by sophomore forward Jazmin Hitchens with a 17-point performance and she led the Cardinals defensively with seven rebounds. Junior guard Shanee' Jackson also chipped in 12 points on the day. The 12-point performance from Jackson was a career high for the junior guard.
Scouting Eastern Michigan: The Eagles ended non-conference action with an 8-5 overall mark with their last game resulting in a 65-43 victory over Wyoming Monday night. Eastern Michigan has faced two of the same opponents as Ball State this season with losses to Wisconsin-Green Bay (84-53) and Detroit Mercy (70-69 OT). Currently the Eagles are first in the MAC West Division standings. Eastern Michgian has three players averaging double digits led by Tavelyn James (22.5), Natachia Watkins (11.1) and Olivia Fouty (10.4). Fouty is also averaging a team high 8.6 rebounds per game.
The Coaches: Ball State head coach Kelly Packard is in her fourth season at Ball State . . . Packard's overall record at Ball State is 54-55 (.495), while her Mid-American Conference mark is 25-24 . . . Eastern Michigan's head coach is AnnMarie Gilbert she is in her fifth season at Eastern Michigan. . . Gilbert's overall record at EMU is 79-60 and she owns a MAC record of 36-28.
The Series: The Cardinals begin Mid-American Conference play at home against Eastern Michigan, Thursday, January 5th at 7 p.m. in Worthen Arena . . . The last time Ball State hosted Eastern Michigan in its MAC opener was the 2008-09 season . . . The Cardinals won that contest by a score of 62-55 . . . Thursday's game will mark the 63rd meeting all-time between Ball State and Eastern Michigan . . . The Eagles lead the all-time series record 35-27 . . . Eastern Michigan has won its last four contests against Ball State . . . The Cardinals last sweep over the Eagles in MAC action was 2008-09.
