The University of North Dakota basketball teams have surprised the fans so far this season, after high expectations were set at the beginning of the season. While the men’s team, which is full of seniors, entered the season looking to dominate sitting second in the preseason poll, the women’s team entered with multiple questions sitting toward the basement of the preseason poll. Since opening the season in October everything has flipped due to injuries and key returns.

Stumbling out of the starting blocks the men’s team currently stands 8-6 in the Big Sky and 11-13 record overall. While many negative aspects of the men’s game could be pointed out, the big difference this season compared to last year’s postseason tournament has been the lost of Brandon Brekke, who has sat out this season and may very well be out the rest of the season with a possible red-shirt year. The loss of Brekke has created a hole in the lineup that has been very difficult to fill, with rebounding and inside scoring being the most affected.

In the same way Brekke has been a key to the men’s success the past few years, Mia Loyd’s play has helped turn the women’s team into a threat to be reckoned with this season with a 11-4 conference record. So far Loyd has averaged 10 rebounds and 14 points a game. The other difference this season has been the team’s overall performance at the line. For much of the season the team has lead in free throw attempts as well as attempts made.

The team’s first Big Sky loss came when the team missed 13 free throws and went 19-for-59. The key to returning to the winning column is no secret though. It will once again be the women’s want to drive to the net and their usual skill with free throw shots.

Women’s Basketball Schedule

http://www.undsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=13500&SPID=6389&SPSID=58571

Men’s Basketball Schedule

http://www.undsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=13500&SPID=6388&SPSID=58565

http://und.edu/features/2013/11/_media/basketball_inside.jpg