Panthers Tip Off Season Saturday Night Against Upper Iowa
Drury Sports Information
11/14/2008 12:09:01 PM
Drury University's basketball Panthers kick off their fifth season under Coach Steve Hesser when they take on Upper Iowa in the season opener for both teams at 7 p.m. Saturday at Weiser Gym.
The Panthers played one exhibition contest, downing Livin' The Dream 104-89 last Saturday at Weiser after trailing by 16 points in the opening half. Senior Chris Ijames and freshman Dusty Allen led six Drury players in double-figures with 20 points each.
Upper Iowa, coached by former Missouri State assistant coach Brian Dolan, is picked for 11th in the NCAA-II Northern Sun Conference preseason poll. The Peacocks finished 9-19 last season. Matt Lesan, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, is their top returning scorer after averaging a team-high 12.9 points last season.
Upper Iowa defeated Dream Builders 77-74 in their lone exhibition contest, with Dan Bestul hitting a 3-pointer with five seconds left for the victory. Freshman forward Mark Lafrenz led five Peacocks in double-figures with 14 points.
Drury-Upper Iowa Game Notes