UND's first trip through the Big Sky Conference didn't go as planned. North Dakota didn't make the upcoming seven-team league tournament -- a rarity considering the program has been accustomed to the postseason in some shape or manner for years.
UND closes out its season Saturday against Southern Utah. Then, it's on to next season with the goal of making an impact in the Big Sky Conference.
North Dakota is 6-13 in the Big Sky and 11-17 overall. After 19 games in its first-year home, UND now has a better grasp on what it will take to succeed.
"It's going to take some hard work," UND coach Travis Brewster said. "We learned there is a big difference in the style of play in this league. It takes more concentration. You can't have those lapses in scoring and you can't turn the ball over. You have to value the basketball."
Offensively, UND averages 58.2 points this season -- 10th in the Big Sky. North Dakota also averaged 21 turnovers -- the worst among the Sky teams.
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Defensively, though, UND ranked fifth as it allowed 61.8 points.
"The top teams in this league value the basketball; they play good defense and don't go through scoring droughts."
UND's commitment to the weight room in the offseason will have to be stronger, Brewster said. "The other part is skill development," he added. "We have to put a greater emphasis on that."
Still, he believes the program isn't that far off from making an impression in the Big Sky.
"I think we're on the cusp," Brewster said.
UND loses two seniors, Nicole Smart and Carly Rothfusz.
Its top two scorers -- Madi Buck (10.8 ppg) and Megan Lauck (9.0) return.
"Next year, not that it will be easy, but we know what to expect," Lauck said.
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Added Buck: "It's a more physical league than the Great West. One through 11, we're pretty much all the same (in the Big Sky). We had players injured in a couple of games. And some nights just weren't our nights. Some of the games we lost were within reach."
Nelson reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
