UMD Men’s Hoops Relying on Experience Heading Into Season Opener

UMD to face Southeastern Oklahoma State for first time on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a couple of exhibition bouts the past two weeks, the UMD men’s basketball team will tip things off for real on Friday night.

It all starts with Southeastern Oklahoma State as the Bulldogs will host the Savage Storm as part of the American Family Insurance Classic.

UMD has never played Southeastern Oklahoma State before. On top of that, head coach Justin Wieck says the Savage Storm have nine freshman and 11 newcomers.

He added with the limited film on their opponent, it’s important to rely on the team’s experience.

“We’ll see an up tempo style, a little bit different than what we see in our league night in and night out. At this time of the year, you have to be ready for everything. We’re getting ready for zones, presses and different defenses. That’s what you rely on, the preparation of these last two months. And rely on three 5th year starters in the starting lineup, Mattie is a fourth year guy, so rely on our experience to kind of roll the ball out, see what they’re doing and be able to make adjustments,” said Wieck.

UMD will look to replace the production of Drew Blair and Jack Middleton. That gives guys like Caleb Siwek more opportunity this upcoming season.

“I’d just say the word I can think of is excitement. I think playing behind Jack Middleton and Drew Blair obviously was a great opportunity for me, kind of learn under them. I think this year I’m very excited. Obviously getting more minutes on the floor. As for the game aspect, we’re excited, I think the whole team is to play a new team. We’ve been beating up on each other at practice for almost two months now. I think we’re just excited to get going against a new opponent,” added Siwek.

UMD will also face Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday, a team they’ve seen once before.

The game against Southeastern tips off at 5 PM on Friday.