SETTING THE SCENE
The Tritons open a five-game roadtrip that will close out the regular season on Thursday at Bellarmine before a trip to Southern Indiana on Saturday.
 
SIZING UP THE TRITONS
UMSL closed out its home schedule last weekend with wins over McKendree (56-40) and Illinois Springfield (61-53) to improve to 9-12 overall, including 4-9 in the GLVC West Division. The Tritons are tied for sixth in the division standings alongside Maryville, while both teams are tied for 11^th overall with Indianapolis. The top 12 teams earn a spot in the GLVC Tournament. Of UMSL's nine league losses, six are by six or fewer points, including two that occurred in overtime.
 
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
UMSL is led by senior Kelly Kunkel's 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while redshirt sophomore Jordan Fletcher adds 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Fletcher also leads the team in field goal percentage (58.6) and blocked shots (26). Junior Sydney Bloch has scored in double figures in the last two games and adds eight points per game, while also leading the squad in assists (3.4 apg) and steals (2.0 spg).
 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Bellarmine is 16-3 overall, including 10-3 in the GLVC. The Knights were ranked No. 25 last week, but fell out of the poll after an 84-66 loss to then No. 12 Drury last Saturday in their last outing. The Knights, 10-1 at home, are led by Sarah Galvin's 18.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
 
Southern Indiana enters a Thursday home game against Maryville having lost 10 straight and is 10-11 overall, including 3-10 in the GLVC. The Screaming Eagles have three players averaging double figures, including Hannah Wascher (14.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg).
 
SERIES HISTORIES
UMSL is 10-20 all-time against Bellarmine, but has won the last four meetings, including both last season. The Tritons defeated the Knights, 66-61, in the GLVC Tournament First Round in St. Louis and posted an 80-59 victory during the regular season, also in St. Louis.
 
Southern Indiana holds a 31-8 advantage in the all-time series and has won 11 straight, including a 77-65 win in the GLVC Tournament Quarterfinals and a 59-48 decision during the regular season in St. Louis.
 
UP NEXT
UMSL travels to Missouri S&T and Drury next Thursday and Saturday, respectively.