UI Teams Have Openers On Tap

College basketball

Idaho’s men’s and women’s basketball teams open their seasons with exhibition games in the next three nights.

The women tangle with an alumni team at 7 tonight in Memorial Gym. The men face the Townsville (Australia) Suns Monday night at 7 in Memorial, trying to avenge a 72-69 loss to the Aussies last year.

Both UI teams are trying to rebound from losing seasons. Idaho’s women were 5-21, while the Vandals men ended 12-15.

The Vandal women return three starters, center Mindy Rice and guards Kelli Johnson and Jill Ortner.

“We need to find out where we are,” coach Julie Holt said. “We’re looking for the right combination of players and to find out who can play well in game situations.”

The alumni squad features 1989 All-Big Sky center Sabrina Dial and three stars from the 1986 NIT championship team Mary Westerwelle, Mary Raese and Robin Behrens.

Idaho’s men tip off against a Suns’ team that belted Eastern Washington 82-71 on Thursday after holding leads as large as 23 points. Townsville made 32 of 56 shots.

Idaho has a veteran squad with guard Shawn Dirden and forwards Harry Harrison, James Jones and Nate Gardner, all starters from last year.

Key newcomers are point guard Reggie Rose, former North Idaho College wing Eddie Turner, and forward Jason Jackman.

“We’re just anxious to play our first game,” UI coach Joe Cravens said. “We are confident that we can play well.”

, DataTimes