UND was perhaps at its best in the first half of last week's game at North Dakota State. There have been other solid Sioux bursts as well this season against Eastern Michigan, Idaho and Northern Iowa.
"We've played well for 20 to 30 minutes but we haven't put together a 40-minute game on the road," UND coach Brian Jones said.
The Sioux will get two more chances for a solid road performance Saturday at Missouri-Kansas City and Monday at Wisconsin-Green Bay -- games that will close out the first half of the UND men's basketball season.
At 4-6, UND has made progress from last season's 8-23 record. But quality road wins remain a goal.
"UMKC is much improved," Jones said. "Green Bay, the last three or four years, has traditionally won 18-plus games and they have a lot of personnel back."
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Against NDSU last week, the Sioux and Bison were tied 33-33 after the first half, a surprise considering UND's youth. But NDSU rolled in the second half, outscoring UND 48-22.
The chance for UND's marquee win since moving to Division I ended within the first five minutes of the second half.
"Sometimes, we lack concentration," Jones said. "Quite frankly, it's youth. When you're young, you're still learning what it takes to focus and concentrate for 40 minutes. You can't take possessions off. Teams are too good at this level. They'll make you pay for it."
At times this season, the Sioux have had three true freshmen and two sophomores on the court.
It wasn't by design; it's just how the rotation worked out.
"But those guys have earned those minutes," Jones said. "And it's exciting for our future. Our team has done a great job of jelling and our guys haven't let egos get in the way."
While youth has been the storyline of UND's season so far, the Sioux defense has been the subplot. It's been pretty good as UND is allowing 63 points per game.
Defense has been the program's focal point. Last season, the team's Princeton-based offense consumed a lot of UND's time and energy.
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"Giving up 63 points is pretty nice," Jones said. "It's what we've emphasized this year. Playing the Princeton offense, it's a system you have to spend so much time on. But we all know defense at any level will win you championships."
The Sioux also switched from zone to a man-to-man defense, a move that coincides with the program's goal to upgrade its athleticism.
"We just didn't feel we had the personnel to get up and guard man-to-man the way we wanted to last year," Jones said. "This year, we definitely have that."
So far, UND's biggest win has been against Eastern Michigan. And the Sioux have won the games they've been expected to win.
"We all know what we can do and what we should do," UND freshman guard Jamal Webb said. "We just have to start showing it with some wins."
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
