Basketball Practices at SMSU Underway
Brad Bigler (left) and Mike Jewett (right) had their first practices with their respective squads on Thursday
10/15/2009 5:37:50 PM
MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State men's and women's basketball teams ushered in the 2009-10 season this afternoon as both squads held their first official practices of the year.
On the men's side, first-year head coach Brad Bigler will have 16 players on this year’s roster with eight returning letterwinners. The Mustangs finished the 2008-09 season with a 28-7 overall record and won both the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and NCAA Central Region championships.
SMSU, which was picked to finish fourth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, returns three starters from last season’s team, including seven of its top 10 scorers and has seven players returning who averaged at least 14 minutes per game a season ago.
The Mustangs will play two exhibition games before opening up the regular season. SMSU will host St. Olaf College on Nov. 3 and host Gustavus on Nov. 9, before opening the regular season at home on Tuesday, Nov. 17, versus Dordt College.
On the women's side, fourth-year head coach Mike Jewett returns three starters and its top players in rebounds and assists from last season’s 14-16 (6-14 NSIC) team. Eight returners and four newcomers make up this year's roster.
The Mustangs will play one exhibition game at home against Bethel on Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. before opening the regular season at home on Nov. 20 and 21 when Truman (Mo.) and Hillsdale (Mich.) come to Marshall for the SMSU Classic.