SWSiouxMN Posted November 19, 2021 Posted November 19, 2021 UND stormed back from a 14 point deficit in the 2nd half to get a 2 point win against a solid Griz squad to get win number 1 on the season. Now they head down to Boca to play in a 3 day tournament. First up, Troy University of the Sun Belt Conference About Troy: It has been a while since there has been success from the Troy basketball program. The last time they had a big season was in 2016-17, where they won the Sun Belt and went to the NCAA tournament. After that season, things haven't gone very well. The coach that led the team to the NCAA tournament is gone and now is trying to be rebuild under coach Cross. So far it hasn't gone very well, with finishes in the bottom of the conference. This season is a season of change, with adding some talented transfers and the extra year of seasoning from their returners, Troy hopes to climb the conference standings and be an impact player in the Sun Belt. If another rough season to occur.... well questions might have to be asked. As of now? An 11 point loss to Butler (not too bad of a loss) and a 4 point OT win against Jacksonville State, (and a non D1 win) is a decent start so far. About Scott Cross (15th season as head coach, 3rd season at Troy. 247-201 overall record, 22-40 at Troy. Cross is entering his 3rd season at the helm for Troy. He spent 12 years as a head coach at UT-Arlington, where he had some modest success (1 NCAA tournament appearance, 2 trips to the NIT, 2 conferences titles). After two years as a TCU assistant, he got his 2nd chance of leading a program. Unlike at his 1st stop, he is still trying to find his footing. A 9-27 Sun Belt record doesn't look too good after the first couple of years. The good news? He might have a roster to finally make a move. The bad news? He might have to make a move soon. Key Player: Efe Odigie (6'9 Junior Forward) The transfer from UTEP is looking for a fresh start after 3 years in the Miner program. He is looking to regain the form he had as a freshman where he was averaging a double-double. He is a load down low, 6'9 and 240 pounds. Right now is averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds for Troy. He will be a tough matchup for the UND post players. Keys: 1) Handle the size down low 2) Bring the shooting performance from Montana 3) Avoid the long droughts 4) Rebound, Rebound, Rebound! The call: If UND is ready to take the next step, they should come away with this weekend with a couple of wins. If they can shoot like they did against Montana and rebound like they did against Milwaukee, they should come away with another win. Sueker, T, Mathews, and Howard are going to have to play well against the Troy bigs and the UND guards are going to have to dominate. I think UND builds off of the performance from the Griz and get another win UND 81-76 Game is on CUSA-TV *Note: You guys are on your own tomorrow as I will be watching some MN State FB. Quote
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