UND is the top scoring team in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 75.6 points per game. That's the good news for UND as it opens a three-game league homestand tonight starting with Southern Utah at The Betty.
But the bad news for UND is this: North Dakota allows 77.6 points per game, which ranks No. 300 among Division I men's basketball teams.
UND can score, but it gives up a lot of points, too.
Still, there is a silver lining for UND Thursday. Southern Utah's defense allows more points than UND.
UND had a rough nonconference season, finishing 3-6. On Sunday, UND dropped its Big Sky opener at Northern Colorado, where North Dakota was sunk by an unimaginable 25-0 run by the Bears.
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There isn't much UND can do other than to prepare for a welcomed stretch of home games and somehow trying to figure out a way to improve defensively, especially in the paint.
"Our guys are staying the course," said UND coach Brian Jones. "We have to take care of our home court. Teams that win conference titles win at home and find ways to split on the road."
UND's struggles on defense, however, can be linked to health problems on the front line.
Depleted in the frontcourt
Jones said on Tuesday that center Brandon Brekke (concussion) won't play this season. Also, 6-foot-10 junior Ryan Salmonson and 6-7 senior Alonzo Traylor both have yet to recover from injuries, leaving the program with only one true frontliner -- 6-9 junior Chad Calcaterra.
"We're lacking some glue tendencies," Jones said. "Brekke is a glue guy, one who did the screening, the rounding and the tough things inside. He was in our program for three years and understands the system.
"The learning curve for those other guys has to be sped up but that's hard to do when they're hurt."
Southern Utah went 1-8 during the nonconference season and already has used 10 different starters this season. Only one player, Trey Kennedy (10.7 ppg) averages in double figures.
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UND came into the season with high expectations, considering their returning experience and strong showing in last season's Big Sky postseason tournament. But there isn't a lot of time remaining to turn things around.
But three straight Big Sky home games gives UND that chance.
"It's a must win for us," said Jones. "Our focus needs to be there."
Nelson reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1268, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1268 or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
