UND's expected 93-56 win over the University of Jamestown at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on Tuesday night met a number of needs.
• One, UND had another opportunity to get some early season experience for its youthful guards.
• Two, UND coach Travis Brewster had another chance to go up against his friend and former colleague -- Jamestown coach Greg Ulland. Both are former assistants at UND.
• Three, UND used the game as a tune-up for an upcoming stretch that could determine what kind of season is in store.
"It was a good game for us to have at this time of the year," said Brewster. "We have some injuries that we need to heal."
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Ulland, who has led to Jamestown to success on the NAIA level, is in his fourth season as the Jimmies coach. He also spent four seasons with Brewster as UND assistants.
"Greg and I worked together and we're friends; I want nothing but the best for him," said Brewster. "We have a lot of coaching similarities. But I've changed some things and he's changed some things. It's getting to be a little more of a creative battle."
UND led throughout; didn't have many rough stretches and again received another all-around dominating performance from senior Madi Buck, who finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and four steals.
"Madi is our anchor right now," said Brewster. "She's playing some really good basketball."
UND's youthful guard play was solid as well. Freshman point guard Leah Szabla finished with 14 points while sophomore Kelsey Knox added 11. Their combined assist-to-turnover ratio was 7 to 4.
"They're both tenacious players," Brewster said. "They have different styles but they complement each other well."
UND's guard play will be critical as it now hits a difficult stretch of its season -- back-to-back road games at Milwaukee and Minnesota. And the Big Sky season is less than a month away.
"Everything is a learning experience; every game, every practice," said Szabla.
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UND shot 51 percent from the field, outrebounded Jamestown 56-32 and had 17 assists on 30 field goals.
A lot of points were in transition.
"We're working hard on pushing the ball," added Knox. "That's what we need to do in the Big Sky."
Buck and forward Mia Loyd were strong up front. Loyd, who limped off the court two minutes into the game, returned and finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Jamestown, which came into the game 7-1, was led by Hannah Steele's 20 points. Jessica Buck added 10. The Jimmies struggled from the field, making only 24 percent of their attempts.
