UND's inaugural season in the Big Sky Conference was an eye-opener. UND went 6-12 last season in the league and did not qualify for the league's postseason tournament.
For a program that regularly advanced to the postseason, first as a Division II power and later as a member of the Division I Great West Conference, last season was disappointing.
"Last year, we were wearing rose-colored glasses, thinking what we did in the Great West would work," said UND coach Travis Brewster. "Obviously, we found out we had to change."
UND made some changes and North Dakota is off to a 1-0 start in the Big Sky, winning on the road Sunday at Northern Colorado.
Thursday, UND hosts Southern Utah in its first Big Sky home game of the season. Southern Utah also is 1-0 in the league and 7-2 overall. And the Thunderbirds have the second-best offense in the league.
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"We're excited to dive into league play, especially after a conference win at Northern Colorado," said UND senior Madi Buck. "We had more success in the nonconference and that makes us feel more confident heading into conference play."
UND is an improved team heading into the heart of Big Sky play.
North Dakota made upgrades in the backcourt, as freshman point guard Leah Szabla has been a steady influence in addition to scoring 8 points per game.
And sophomore forward Mia Loyd, at 5-foot-9, has given UND a punch inside. Although outsized in most games, Loyd averages 11 rebounds per game, ranking No. 24 in Division I basketball.
They complement Buck, UND's leading scorer.
"We have more confidence in how we're playing," said Brewster. "There is an understanding of the Big Sky Conference and the expectation of how you have to play to be successful."
UND will play two games at home this week. Northern Colorado will play at UND on Saturday.
Both games will be televised by MidcoSports.
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Nelson reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1268, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1268 or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
