SWSiouxMN

First off: We finally snap the long losing streak and got conference win number 1 (didn't see the last 7 minutes as I had to run to Target) Now for the legit bones: Built off of the MSU performance nicely, 4 players in double figures with three other players just one off of getting there themselves. There was a lot more usage of a 4 guard lineup with Dale/Avants anchoring the 5 spot. It helps when you have now 4 capable guards to run that now that Tray has step into a productive role. Was nice to see them shoot well from the field and from beyond the arc for a change. Seales had a productive night, and I felt Brown played his best game at UND tonight. Interesting development was the lack of minutes of both Walter and Jafar in this one, be interesting to track this over the next few games to see if a trend develops. UND only played 7 players extensive minutes (20+) and they looked pretty good. Geno needs to snap out of his funk and fast. Weber comes in Saturday, be a big win to get at home and get to 2-4. Find a way to meatloaf the conference road trip and finish the first half of play 4-5 and UND will be in semi-decent shape for the 2nd half.

UND 67 ISU 48 7:07 2nd There appears to be three guarantees in life: Death, Taxes and UND beating ISU in Big Sky play.

UND 57 ISU 39 11:07 2nd

back in business and so is UND, now up 20 after the Tray jumper

UND 54 ISU 36 14:30 2nd

wouldn't you know it, my feed went down....

UND 45 ISU 30 18:03 2nd

Seales joins Avants and Dale with double-figures. He has 10

He doesn't look very confident either, very passive, not taking shots he usually would take, he has to find a way out of it.

Half UND 41 ISU 29 Overall it was a decent half, still some lapse of D and some overaggressivness on the offensive end. Lots of use of 4 guards + Dale/Avants in the first half, which led to much of their success. This might be the route they have to take to turn their season around. Assisting on 10 of 18 shots is pretty decent. Seales might flirt with a triple-double at this rate, has 6 pts, 5 boards and 5 assists.

never fails, when it doubt... play ISU

Walter is in, Seales cans a mid range jumper

UND 35 ISU 26 3:22 1st Dale has 11 points and has hit all 4 of his shots, 3 of them for 3's

Dale hits a 3 off the o-board, but commits the cardinal sin

Brown hit a 3 then got handsy on the defensive end 30-26 UND

good ball movement gives Avants and easy bucket and the 1st UND player to double digits

UND 25 ISU 23 7:56 1st UND ball after Avants took the charge. He and Dale both lead the way with 8 point for UND. Topalovic has 10 for the Bengals

On the court: Brown/Tray/Seales/Marlon/Jones was able to force a few turnovers in the last few defensive possessions. Jafar or Walter have yet to step on the court

ISU TO (will count as media as well) UND 23 ISU 16 10:28 1st

beautiful movement and a backdoor cut up Tray leads to a and-1 situation, which he cashes in UND 19 ISU 15

One noticeable thing I have seen is a lot of 4 guard + Dale/Avants so far.

For the most part, UND responded well. ISU is getting open looks however and not cashing in. UND 12 ISU 7 15:38 1st Dale and Avants with 6

UND burns a quick TO Jones not happy with his starters, sloppy start 2-0 ISU 18:38

Back to the usual starting lineup for tonight. Geno, Stewart, Seales, Jones, Avants

I forgot to mention this: It is stating the obvious yes, but this is a must win game tonight. The schedule after this weekend is a trip to Greely next weekend and then the next three weekends is a repeat of the first three weeks of conference play for opponents. Its been ugly yes, but it could get even uglier if UND is not careful.