SETTING THE SCENE
While the full GLVC schedule doesn't get underway until January, UMSL will get a brief preview this weekend with its first two conference games. The Tritons travel to No. 14 ranked Drury on Thursday and to Missouri S&T on Saturday.

UMSL IN GLVC OPENERS
UMSL is 3-16 in GLVC openers and is opening the conference slate for the second straight year against Drury. The Tritons are opening league play on the road for the first time since the 2011-12 season, which ironically also began at Drury.

THE GLVC PRESEASON POLL
UMSL was picked to finish fifth in the West Division by the league coaches. Drury was tabbed as the favorite, while Quincy and Truman State were second and third, respectively. Rockhurst finished in fourth place ahead of the Tritons, while Maryville (sixth), William Jewell (seventh) and Missouri S&T (eighth) rounded out the poll.

In the East Division, Bellarmine was selected first, followed by Lewis (second), Saint Joseph's (third), Southern Indiana (fourth), Indianapolis (fifth), McKendree and UW-Parkside (tied for sixth) and Illinois Springfield (eighth).

SIZING UP THE TRITONS
UMSL is 3-2 overall and and is coming off a 62-49 loss to Arkansas Tech last Saturday. The Tritons are 2-0 in road games, having won at Trevecca Nazarene and at Lincoln.

UMSL is tied for second in the GLVC, allowing just 53.2 points per game. The Tritons have limited three opponents to fewer than 55 points this season.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Junior Jordan Fletcher averages 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game to lead the Tritons, while shooting 64.7 percent from the field. In two games last week, Fletcher averaged 19.0 points, while shooting 77.8 percent (14-of-18). Her shooting percentage ranks third in the GLVC.

Newcomer Laura Szorenyi adds 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, having netting double figures in all four games she's played in.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Drury is 6-1, with its lone loss to then No. 2 ranked Emporia State last week. The Panthers are shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and average 11.0 steals per game. Heather Harman averages 14.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game to lead Drury, while Paige Wilson has knocked in 21 three-pointers and averages 12.0 points.

Missouri S&T takes a 4-2 record into a Thursday contest against Maryville. The Miners, 2-0 at home, are led by Janie Arand's 12.2 points per game.

SERIES RECORDS
Drury has won 22 of the 23 games played in the series, while Missouri S&T owns a 38-20 advantage in the series with UMSL. Drury won both meetings last year, while the Tritons and Miners each won on the road.

UP NEXT
UMSL plays three games next week, including two exhibitions, beginning Wednesday at UMKC. The Tritons then host Kentucky Wesleyan next Saturday and are at SIUE next Sunday.