SETTING THE SCENE
While the majority of the GLVC schedule doesn't get underway until January, UMSL will get a brief preview this week when it plays two of its 18 league games. The Tritons welcome McKendree on Thursday before a visit from Illinois Springfield on Saturday. The remainder of the GLVC slate will take place after the New Year.
 
UMSL IN GLVC OPENERS
UMSL is 3-19 in GLVC openers… the Tritons are opening the league schedule at home for the first time since the 2015-16 season… UMSL opened GLVC play against Illinois Springfield and McKendree in 2014-15, winning both of those games at home.
 
HOME SWEET HOME
The Tritons have won 17 straight games in the Mark Twain Building dating back to the 2016-17 season, which includes all 12 last season.
 
SIZING UP THE TRITONS

• UMSL enters league play with a 3-3 mark, having won three straight in the friendly confines of the Mark Twain Building.
• The Tritons have been idle since a 76-58 win last Wednesday over Kentucky State.
• Senior Arielle Jackson holds a team-best 14.7 points per game average and also averages 4.0 assists per game. She has hit the 20-point plateau twice this season, including a career-best 27 points at Lindenwood.
• Sophomore Alex LaPorta ads 11.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. She has two double-doubles this season and 10 in her career.
• Freshman McKenzie Lathrom is averaging 17 points per game in the Tritons' three wins.
• UMSL ranks ninth in NCAA DII in three-point field goals made (48), 11^th in three-pointers attempted (128) and 36^th in three-point field goal percentage (37.5).
• The Tritons are 21^st in NCAA DII in free throw percentage (78.9).
• UMSL was picked sixth in the GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll.

 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
McKendree
The Bearcats are 3-2, including 1-1 in road games. Sophomore guard Sydney Diekhoff ranks fourth in the GLVC in scoring with 17.2 points per game. The Bearcats own a rebounding margin of +5.8 and lead the GLVC in assists-turnover ratio (1.23). McKendree was picked eighth in the GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
Illinois Springfield
The Prairie Stars enter a Thursday game at Maryville with a 1-3 record and has played two common opponents with the Tritons, including Purdue Northwest (UIS lost twice, UMSL defeated the Pride) and Lindenwood (both teams lost). Three plyers average double figures although UIS is shooting a league worse 36.6 percent. The Prairie Stars were tabbed for an 11^th place finish in the GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
SERIES HISTORIES
UMSL vs. McKendree… UMSL is 25-4 all-time against McKendree, including 7-0 since the Bearcats joined the GLVC… the Tritons have won nine straight in the series, including victories of 63-55 and 75-55 last season.
 
UMSL vs. Illinois Springfield… UMSL leads the series, 11-2, with all but one win coming with the Prairie Stars as a member of the GLVC… the two teams split last season, each winning on its home court with UIS taking the first meeting, 69-65, and UMSL winning 65-42.
 
UP NEXT
UMSL will be idle until Friday, Dec. 7 when they host Christian Brothers at 5 p.m.