Friday, March 13th, 7:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Quicken Loans Arena (20,562) -- Cleveland, Ohio. Television: FSN-Ohio. Home Record: Buffalo 9-4, Ball State 10-6. Away Record: Buffalo 7-6, Ball State 3-10. Neutral Record: Buffalo 4-0, Ball State 1-0. Conference Record: Buffalo 11-5, Ball State 7-9. Series Record: Ball State leads, 11-6.

GAME NOTES: With a chance to play for the Mid-American Conference title on the line, the Ball State Cardinals clash with the Buffalo Bulls this evening in a semifinal tilt at the Quicken Loans Arena. The Bulls, who were granted a first round bye as the third-seed, took care of business in a quarterfinal victory over Kent State. The 65-62 decision over the Flashes was the third win in the last four games for Buffalo. Buffalo does not have much experience in this tournament, posting just a 5-9 ledger. As for the Cardinals, they only finished the season with a 7-9 mark, but the team claimed the West Division and the second seed in the tournament. Ball State, which is playing as the second seed, needed overtime to get past Central Michigan, 64-61, in quarterfinal action. Ball State has not won this title since 2000, but overall the Cardinals have enjoyed the most success in this event, winning the title seven times, while posting a strong 35-20 all-time ledger. In terms of the all-time series between the two schools on the hardwood, the Cardinals hold an 11-6 edge over Buffalo, and that includes a 53-51 victory earlier this season.

The Bulls were very stingy at the defensive end of the floor in their victory over Kent State, as Buffalo limited the Flashes to a mere 38.2 percent shooting effort, which included an equally poor 5-of-16 clip from long range. Buffalo has played well at the defensive end of the court throughout most of the season, and is holding the opposition to just 62.6 ppg. At the other end of the floor Rodney Pierce has been the only true scoring source for Buffalo, as the guard is netting 14.5 ppg. Calvin Betts is grabbing a team-high 6.5 rpg, but the guard is netting just 9.3 ppg. Against KSU, Pierce surprisingly struggled, connecting on just 3-of-15 attempts, finishing with only seven points. However, Max Bourdeau picked up the slack, leading the way with 13 points, while Titus Robinson contributed 10 points. The best player on the floor however, was Betts, as the guard tallied 11 points, but more importantly collected 18 rebounds.

Throughout the season the Cardinals' success could be attributed to their tenacious efforts defensively, as the team held opponents to just 59.6 ppg. Opponents are only shooting 41.7 percent against BSU, and an even worse 30.7 percent display from behind the arc. In the victory over Central Michigan, the Cardinals held the Chippewas to just 61 points on a 40.7 percent shooting effort that included a 2-of-12 clip from long range. Offensively the Cardinals were led by Laron Frazier's 22 points. Jarrod Jones added 20 points and six rebounds, while Rob Giles chipped in 11 points. On the year, the Cardinals have relied heavily on Jones, who is pacing the team with 11.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg. Brandon Lampley is the only other player netting double figures, as the guard is chipping in 10.2 ppg for Ball State, which as a team is averaging a weak 58.1 ppg.

Do not expect much scoring in this matchup, as neither team can be counted on to put forth a consistent effort offensively. However, the Bulls have a few more options at that end of the floor and should be able to grind out another victory.

Predicted Outcome

Buffalo 58, Ball State 55