SWSiouxMN

most have been good looks, but just are not falling. Poly with an and 1 opportunity and converts Poly 9 UND 2

Poly put back 4-0 Poly UND is ice cold right now

Cal Poly 2 UND 0 UND 0-3 from 3

So a question that I have been wondering about our Big Sky Conference. Idaho joins next year in all sports except football. We know that basketball will not be split in divisions (from what I read), but other sports like volleyball will. What do you think (or heard rumblings of) will be the spilt.

Montana is taking it to NAU, up 2 games to none so far

In the first game, Pacific is up on Oregon 36-29 at the half

4 UND players honored on All-Big Sky team http://www.undsports.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13500&ATCLID=209326584 Pioske also was awarded co-freshman of the year in the Big Sky as well

The call NAU over Mont in 4 ISU over UNC in 5 PSU over NAU in 3 UND over ISU in 4 UND over PSU in 5

lost the 3rd tiebreaker for seedings sure they are just #1 because they have a better overall record that PSU and didn't apply tiebreakers in the standings

Did some number calculations so far for the league. Records against d-1 competition in non-conference 2012: 20-66 2013: 13-26 Weber and SUU are the only two teams right now that do not have a win against d-1 opponents (but expect that to change for Weber. SUU on the other hand.......

Things I am looking forward to see on Friday (and the weekend in particular) 1) Progression of frontcourt (other than Nash) -After a couple of clunkers, the frontcourt took a step forward in the win against NDSU. Calcaterra gave us a glimpse of what he can do when he is on his game, and despite their limited minutes due to foul trouble, Traylor and Salmonson provided more good moments than bad. I would personally like to see 1 of these 3 start to separate from the other 2 in term of efficient play. The thing about Wilmer that drove me nuts last year (until Feb/March), was he would come out and play awesome one night, then stink it up the other. Keep taking steps forward (no matter how small they are) Nash, just keep up the good work. 2) Can Webb continue his efficient play -Some people can argue that efficiency wise, Jamal Webb is off to his best start of his career. While his points and rebounds are down to start the year, he has improved something ever more important so far this year. This is his assist to turnover ratio for the 1st 3 games of his 4 seasons, with his raw stats below the A/T ratio 2010: 1.28 2011: 1.375 2012: .909 2013: 3.666 A T 2010: 9 7 2011: 11 8 2012: 10 11 2013: 11 3 Now that is pretty good, the question is can he keep this production up. His points will come as he gets back into rhythm after his off-season injury to his foot, but this is a very encouraging sign for UND. I predict a 15+ performance in 1 of these 3 games for him. 3) Depth will be challenged -This is where I would see the Bentons, Antwis, Hookers of the world to play big minutes this weekend. Perhaps this could be the debut of Stefan as well. Need to keep the big guns as fresh as possible throughout the weekend. Schuler is going to be big for us once again. 4) Huff -I finally got to see him in live action against NDSU and have seen him a lot in the last 4 years. Compared the last year, he has improved his game 10 folds. Reasons: His shot has improved again (His stroke looks just awesome right now) and he can finish those tough shots he wasn't able to last year. My 1 big question: can he stay around 73-78% from the free throw line or be better. I keep harping on these numbers 50/40/75 or better. I think he can do at least that this year.

Time to turn our focus toward the Oregon tourney, this will be another good measuring stick to see where the team is at. Will they carry the early season momentum of beating NDSU and bring it westward? First up, Cal Poly (1-3).

Thoughts: -Yes the refs were bad, but that is the name of the game. Until the teams adjust, this will keep happening. The NCAA is not going to ditch the rule book mid-stream. The tech on Huff was a pure joke -NDSU truly expected to roll into our house and just smack us around, well it didn't happen. They got really frustrated in the 2nd half and it showed. It was the Braun show and nothing else. I think if Huff didn't get that T, UND rolls a lot sooner in this game. -Saul should be thankful for Tim Miles, he is the only reason why he does have an NCAA tournament appearance to his name. If this is his best team, and they play like that they will not win the Summit. I was shocked he got extended this past off season. I've never been impressed with Saul. Now to the game itself -Despite his lack of scoring, Webb was efficient in ball handling and everything else. 11 assists to 3 turnovers so far this year. If he can keep that up then get his scoring touch... look out -Anderson was a rock for us tonight. Made the most of his minutes and wasn't afraid to be aggressive. Buried his shots from beyond the arc. -Salmonson is limited due to foul trouble, but he did have a couple nice moments, made all of his free throws so that is all I can ask for. His post play was the weakest (but that was saying more of Traylor, Nash, and Calcaterra) -Traylor was limited with foul trouble too, but made some key plays in the 2nd half with some buckets and his battling for the rebounds. -Schuler was good tonight as well, took over the game when needed. His spark in the 1st half really got the team going again. -Hooker played good for a frosh, his one big moment was the drive and finish. Watch this kid grow, im leaning on the redshirt lift being the right move -Calcaterra stepped it the hell up tonight and I am proud of him. The question is can he do it consistently. If we can get that from him a night (maybe 1-3 more rebounds) we are golden -Nash: Continues to prove that he is legit, he didn't hit from outside but he didn't need to. Used is athletic ability to get to the rack at will. I have to wonder what if he was granted eligibility last year what might have happened.... -I saved the best for last. Troy Huff played like a star and just made two awesome moves to score. Most important, 13 from 17 from the line. I say it in another forum, if he can get to 50/40/75 or better, he will be awesome. His notice from the nation will come. Stats on crack: -Last year I went on a rant on how NDSU KILLED US on the boards: This year NDSU 37, UND 36 -14 assists to 9 turnovers. I'll take it! -51% from the field, 37.5 from 3, 80 from the line (that will win us a lot of games) Final Thoughs: This was a good gut-check test for us and we passed with flying colors. I think this team, after tonight, does have what it takes to win the Big Sky. The post players took a step forward tonight and Huff and Nash played awesome. The Oregon tourney is another test and we need to go out there thinking 3-0, because I think its do-able I also endorse the idea of a playing them twice a year between the two school. Instead of playing Presenation, lets play these guys again. We are mid-majors and in 1 big leagues, lets do something unique. Until next year in Fargo

Just on the website on the scores page

Huff right now getting a little love as he turned in the 3rd best performance in the nation according to ESPN. The only reason the other 2 are ahead was because their game went to triple overtime

I think it was the right move, I bet we see him out in Oregon. Give him another few practices and let her rip then

Calcaterra step it the hell up tonight.

ISU takes set 3!

I would agree with those matchups. He is 6'4

Big Mike > Calcaterra

I cannot wait for this one, this will undoubtedly be the best matchup of the 4 since the games have resumed in D-1. Both teams have what it takes to win their respective leagues.

Pretty sure Schuler will be counted on big time on Sunday. You can bet on that

Badger board quite commentary of our team. Got a laugh when Huff got called Marshall Henderson's evil twin

I buy what this guy is selling NCAA tournament wins

Wisconsin 93 UND 77 Anderson lay up Dekker lay up Huff makes 2 FTs