Preview: Ball State Cardinals at Massachusetts Minutemen

HADLEY, Mass. (Interstat) — The Massachusetts Minutemen look to halt a three-game skid when they host the struggling Ball State Cardinals in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Mullins Center.

Massachusetts (9-7) has lost three straight, including a heartbreaking 101-100 overtime defeat to Bowling Green and an 86-83 loss at Ohio on Tuesday. The Minutemen have shown offensive firepower, scoring 100 or more points twice this season, but defense has been inconsistent during the slide.

Ball State (4-11) enters on a five-game losing streak, most recently a 74-52 home loss to Eastern Michigan on Tuesday. The Cardinals have struggled to find consistent scoring and have lost nine of their last ten contests.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Massachusetts is led by sophomore Danny Carbuccia, who is coming off a 13-point, 8-assist performance at Ohio. Over his last three games, he has averaged 10 points and 7.7 assists.

Ball State will rely on junior Armoni Zeigler, who scored 15 points in each of his last two games against Eastern Michigan and Buffalo. He provides a versatile threat, having recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds against Campbell last month.

For UMass, forward Daniel Hankins-Sanford adds interior balance, leading the team with 16 points in the loss to Ohio. Ball State’s Elmore James, who had 13 points against Eastern Michigan, is another scoring option.

The Minutemen have been strong at home this season, boasting a 6-2 record at Mullins Center, including a notable 103-95 victory over Florida State in December. Ball State is 3-4 on the road, seeking its first true road win since November.

Historically, Massachusetts holds a 9-4 advantage in the series, winning the last meeting. The game tips off at 2:00 p.m. EST as both teams seek momentum early in the MAC schedule.

Massachusetts visits Western Michigan next Tuesday, while Ball State travels to face Akron.