By GREG MENGELT

After a 4-1 start to the season, New Albany snapped a 7-game losing streak Friday with a 40-21 victory at Providence.

That was the second of five straight games on the road for the Bulldogs. Tonight at Evansville North is the third.

North (5-2) comes into Friday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night at 5-2 and on a 2-game winning streak. Those wins were blowouts of Evansville Central (67-28) and Bloomington South (52-40).

Junior Amiyah Buchanan leads the Huskies at 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Four North players average double-figure points per game. Senior Jaidn Green is averaging 11.6, junior Jalyn Shelby is at 10.3 points per game and Kaylee Martin averages 10-even. Martin is 18 for 45 from behind the 3-point arc, the Huskies top 3-point threat.

“The game at Evansville North is going to be a very tough game,” New Albany coach Shelby Gliebe said. “They are very good and very balanced, so we are going to have to put all 4 quarters together with everybody contributing. It will be a good test for us.”

The Bulldogs go to Salem (7-3) next Wednesday then to Evansville Memorial (6-2) the following Thursday to complete the 2021 portion of its season.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
NEW ALBANY (5-8) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (5-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Husky Arena, North H.S. (15331 Hwy. 41 North, Evansville)
• Coaches:
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (11-24 in second season at New Albany, 15-43 in third season overall)
North — Tyler Choate (88-41 in sixth season at North)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 148, No. 60 Class 4A
North — No. 62, No. 42 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Won at Providence 40-21 (Dec. 16)
North — Defeated Bloomington South 52-40 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 9-4. North has won 3 of the last 4 vs. the Bulldogs.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At New Albany 50, North 47.
• News & notes: New Albany snapped a 7-game losing streak with its 19-point win at Providence on Thursday. … Friday’s game is the Bulldogs’ third of five straight games away from home. … New Albany has played the 65th toughest schedule (of 395 teams) so far this season. … North junior Amiyah Buchanan contributed 18 points and 15 rebounds to the Huskies’ 67-28 win over Evansville Central on Dec. 7. Junior Jalyn Shelby finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. … Senior guard Kaylee Martin knocked down 4 3-pointers and scored 12 points in North’s 52-40 victory over Bloomington South on Dec. 11.
• John Harrell prediction: North 60, New Albany 43.
• Sagarin projection: North by 18.
• Outlook: North has been pretty good for a while now, but this may be the its best team since 2010-11 when the Huskies went 18-5 and won a sectional title.
• Greg’s pick: North 61, New Albany 52.

SOUTH CENTRAL (1-6) AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (4-8)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: South Central H.S. Main Gym (6675 E. Hwy. 11 S.E., Elizabeth)
• Coaches:
South Central — Lynne Thomas (4-40 in third season at South Central)
CAI — Carson Casey (12-43 in third season at CAI)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 376, No. 83 Class A
CAI — No. 362, No. 77 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Defeated Crothersville (Dec. 9)
CAI — Won at Cannelton 55-30 (Dec. 16)
• Last 20 years: South Central 14-1.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At South Central 68, CAI 18.
• News & notes: Not only did the Rebels pick up their first win last Thursday against Crothesville, it was also South Central’s SAC opener. … The Rebels game scheduled for Tuesday against Corydon Central was postponed and has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 24 at South Central. … The Warriors now have twice as many wins this year — before the calendar turns to 2022 — as all of last season.
• John Harrell prediction: CAI 46, South Central 33.
• Sagarin projection: CAI by 10.
• Outlook: This game should be close, but the Warriors are probably just a little better at this point in the season.
• Greg’s pick: CAI 33, South Central 25.

By GREG MENGELT

It’s not been the start to the season the Jeffersonville Red Devils expected, but they’re certainly making news.

Jeff (1-2) has lost two straight after entering the season in the state’s top 10 and starting with a 61-47 win over Evansville North. The Devils have been without star senior Will Lovings-Watts all season and without head coach Andrew Grantz in last Friday’s loss at Seymour.

Both Grantz and Lovings-Watts are expected to be out for Friday’s showdown with defending Class 3A state champion Silver Creek (2-2).

Grantz was hospitalized last week with an unknown illness but is expected to return early next week. He said he’s on the mend and nearing full health.

Grantz said Thursday that Lovings-Watts said he believes he will have Lovings-Watts “some time over Christmas Break.”

JEFF OPENS TOURNEY MONDAY IN LOUISVILLE

The Red Devils the Mac’s Childcare Holiday Classic at Louisville Western on Monday against DeSales (2-4) at 6 p.m.

Jeff will face either host Western (6-1) or DuPont Manual (7-0) in Tuesday’s second round.

The other side of the bracket features PRP (4-1), Waggener (3-3), St. Xavier (3-2) and Southern (3-1). The final round will take place Wednesday at Pleasure Ridge Park.

Jeff is the only team from Indiana in the event.

By GREG MENGELT

Friday’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night is a matchup of two teams with big early wins that are coming off tough losses.

Providence (4-1) and Floyd Central (3-1) were both unbeaten until Saturday night. The Pioneers had four strong wins, including three straight on the road, until Friday when the Pioneers lost a late lead in a 65-64 loss to Scottsburg.

“We will need to bounce back and build from a game in which we played some of our best ball of this early season,” Providence coach Ryan Miller said. “Our boys stepped up in many ways, yet somehow we let it slip away down the stretch against a very talented Scottsburg team. We feel confident that our boys will take the many positives from that performance and learn from the areas that could use improvement which cost us that game. Although that loss stings, we know the ultimate goal is to keep improving, stay positive and grow as a team through the course of the season.

Floyd started the season with a pair of solid road wins before blowing out New Albany 57-26 at home on Friday. The next night, the Highlanders suffered their first loss, 64-59 at Jeffersontown (Ky.) in overtime.

“Floyd Central appears to be among the top teams in the area and beyond this year,” Miller said. “Their size is tremendous, likely one of the biggest teams in the state. So, that is definitely a challenge in and of itself. They also have quality guard play with big guards who can shoot the ball, along with very solid point guard play. They have size and depth off the bench as well. And Coach Sturgeon is one of the best around. So, quite honestly, they have no glaring areas of weakness and a lot of strengths.”

Although the Pioneers face a tough schedule this season, they only play three games against 4A teams. Games against programs like New Albany, Jeffersonville and Floyd should help Providence improve, no matter the outcome of Friday’s game.

“Games against top-tier teams like Floyd Central are the ones we want to play, because they make you step up your level of play and they make you better,” Miller said. “We always look forward to a challenging game against a quality opponent — and Floyd Central is certainly that.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
FLOYD CENTRAL (3-1) AT PROVIDENCE (4-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence (707 Providence Way, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Todd Sturgeon (125-41 in eighth season at Floyd)
Providence — Ryan Miller (34-17 in third season at Providence)
• Rankings:
Providence — No. 19 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Floyd Central — No. 53, No. 33 Class 4A 78
Providence — No. 75, No. 10 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Lost at Jeffersontown (Ky.) 64-59, OT (Dec. 11)
Providence — Lost to Scottsburg 65-64 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Providence 11-9. Floyd has won 5 straight over the Pioneers.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At Floyd Central 62, Providence 40
• News & notes: The Highlanders were outscored 10-5 in overtime of Saturday’s 5-point loss at Jeffersontown. Senior guard Brady Moore led Floyd with 13 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. … Floyd will face Pike (3-1) at 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 28 in the first game of the Paul Logan Memorial Invitational at North Central in Indianapolis. The following day, the Highlanders will play against Avon (1-3) at 10 a.m. … The Pioneers were outscored 26-18 in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 1-point loss to Scottsburg. Casey Kaelin had a game-high 21 points in the win. Jaden Johnson added 13 and Quentin Hesse had 9 in the loss.
• John Harrell prediction: Floyd Central 54, Providence 48.
• Sagarin projection: Providence by 1.
• Outlook: Floyd almost certainly has the better team, but Providence is very good … probably even better than we expected. Tough venue for the Highlanders.
• Greg’s pick: Floyd Central 55, Providence 50.

SILVER CREEK (2-2) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (1-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: William S. Johnson Arena, Jeffersonville H.S. (2315 Allison Ln., Jeffersonville)
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Brandon Hoffman (203-75 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
Jeffersonville — Andrew Grantz (16-9 in second season at Jeffersonville, 104-51 in seventh season overall)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 7 AP (Class 3A).
Jeffersonville — No. 17 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 130, No. 31 Class 3A
Jeffersonville — No. 64, No. 38 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Lost to North Harrison 65-46 (Dec. 10)
Jeffersonville — Lost at Seymour 55-47 (Dec. 10)
• Last 20 years: Jeff 14-6. Silver Creek has beaten the Red Devils the last 2 times the programs have met.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At Silver Creek 77, Jeffersonville 67.
• News & notes: The Red Devils were without head coach Andrew Grantz for Friday’s loss at Seymour and he’ll be out again this weekend. Jeff senior Will Lovings-Watts is also expected to be out Friday and could return as early as next week. … Jeff opens the Mac’s Childcare Holiday Classic at Louisville Western on Monday against DeSales (2-4) at 6 p.m. The Red Devils will face either host Western (6-1) or DuPont Manual (7-0) in Tuesday’s second round. The other side of the bracket features PRP (4-1), Waggener (3-3), St. Xavier (3-2) and Southern (3-1). Jeff is the only team from Indiana in the event. … The Dragons loss to North Harrison was just their third Mid-Southern Conference loss in the past four years. Two of those came against the Cougars the last two regular seasons. … Creek made just 4 of its 16 3-point attempts in Friday’s loss. … The Dragons will open the Jefferson County Invitational against Class 2A No. 16 Southwestern (5-0) at 11 a.m. at Madison on Dec. 22. Silver Creek will face either Jay County (4-1) or MSC-rival Scottsburg (4-1) in the second round (either at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 if it beats Southwestern or 11 a.m. on Dec. 23 if the Dragons lose to Southwestern). The final round is Dec. 23 at either 2:30 p.m. (seventh place), 4:15 p.m. (fifth place), 6 p.m. (third place) or 7:45 p.m. (championship). All 12 games are at Madison.
• John Harrell prediction: Jeffersonville 62, Silver Creek 48.
• Sagarin projection: Jeff by 11.
• Outlook: If Jeff’s coach and best player return, the Red Devils are the favorites in this one. Without knowing that, we’ll take the Dragons in a close one.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 61, Jeffersonville 60.

NORTH HARRISON (4-0, 2-0 MSC) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (4-0, 2-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brownstown Central H.S. (500 N. Elm St., Brownstown)
• Coaches:
North Harrison — Lou Lefevre (40-10 in third season at North Harrison, 305-90 in 18th season overall)
Brownstown — Dave Benter (407-153 in 24th season at Brownstown)
• Rankings:
North Harrison — No. 5 AP (Class 3A).
Brownstown — No. 11 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
North Harrison — No. 18, No. 4 Class 3A
Brownstown — No. 34, No. 7 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
North Harrison — Won at Silver Creek 65-46 (Dec. 10)
Brownstown — Won at Madison 60-54 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Brownstown 17-6 North Harrison has won the last 2 and 4 of the last 5 vs. the Braves.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At North Harrison 45, Brownstown 43.
• News & notes: The Cougars won at Silver Creek for the first time since 2003 with a 65-46 road blowout on Dec. 10. “If we are able to beat a good team like them handily, we must’ve been doing some things well,” Cougars head coach Lou Lefevre told the News and Tribune following the victory. … North Harrison led the Dragons 19-11 after the first quarter and never trailed over the final three periods. … The Cougars will participate in the Batesville Invitational and will face Jennings County (4-1) in the opening round on Dec. 30 at noon. Later that evening, North Harrison will play either Waldron (3-2) or the host Bulldogs (0-4) in the consolation game at 4 p.m. or the championship at 6 p.m. … Jack Benter scored 36 points in Brownstown’s 62-55 overtime victory over rival Seymour on Dec. 3.
• John Harrell prediction: North Harrison 52, Brownstown 50.
• Sagarin projection: Brownstown by 1.
• Outlook: Brownstown is legit but the Cougars are better. Winning on the road is never easy, but North Harrison is making believers of everyone.
• Greg’s pick: North Harrison 66, Brownstown Central 61.

CORYDON CENTRAL (2-3, 0-1 MSC) AT SCOTTSBURG (4-1, 3-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek H.S. (557 Renz Ave., Sellersburg)
• Coaches:
Corydon Central — Joseph Hinton (23-29 in third season at Corydon)
Scottsburg — Eric Richardson (10-19 in second season at Scottsburg)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Corydon Central — No. 140, No. 35 Class 3A
Scottsburg — No. 37, No. 9 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Corydon Central — Lost at Evansville North 72-48 (Dec. 11)
Scottsburg — Won at Providence 65-64 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Corydon 15-9.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — At Corydon 68, Scottsburg 66.
• News & notes: Corydon will open the PSC Holiday Tournament against Perry Central (3-0) at 11 a.m. on Dec. 28 at Tell City. It’s the first game of the tournament. With a win, the Panthers will face either Tell City (0-4) or Crawford County (3-0) in the second round later that day. The final round is Dec. 29 and the Panthers will play either Boonville (2-3), Heritage Hills (1-3), Vincennes (0-3) or South Spencer (5-0). The tournament will be played at Tell City and South Spencer. … Corydon will induct 1961 graduate Mick Frederick into its Athletic Hall of Fame. Frederick was the MVP of the 1960 and 1961 Panthers basketball team. He was All-MSC both teams. He had a school-record 808 points at the time of his graduation. He also has the program record with 18 assists in one game. Frederick was a member of the Panthers’ 1961 regional championship team.… The Warriors outscored Providence 26-18 over the final 8 minutes for a big 1-point road win on Saturday. Wyatt Zellers led a balanced Scottsburg attack with 14 points. Jack Miller had 13 and Kody Clancy 12 in the victory. … The Warriors will open the Jefferson County Invitational against Jay County (4-1) at 12:45 p.m. at Madison on Dec. 22. Scottsburg will face either Class 2A No. 14 Southwestern (5-0) or MSC-rival Silver Creek (2-1) — the defending Class 3A state champions — in the second round (either at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 if it beats Jay County or 11 a.m. on Dec. 23 if the Dragons lose to Jay County). The final round is Dec. 23 at either 2:30 p.m. (seventh place), 4:15 p.m. (fifth place), 6 p.m. (third place) or 7:45 p.m. (championship). All 12 games are at Madison.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 64, Corydon 46.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 16.
• Outlook: This isn’t the MSC Game of the Night, but it’s a good one. North Harrison and Brownstown look like the best two teams with Silver Creek, Eastern and these two teams on the next level. At least that’s how it seems so far.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 62, Corydon Central 55.

WEST WASHINGTON (0-4) VS. BORDEN (3-2)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Event: 1st Harrison Bank Washington County Invitational, first round.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Coaches:
West Washington — Matthew Myers (39-40 in fourth season at West Washington)
Borden — Doc Nash (207-151 in 16th season at Borden)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 306, No. 54 Class A
Borden — No. 104, No. 10 Class A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Lost to Trinity Lutheran 47-33 (Dec. 11)
Borden — Won at South Central 80-60 (Dec. 10)
• Last 20 years: 17-17. West Washington has won 4 of the last 5 against the Braves.
• Most recent meeting: Feb. 9 — At West Washington 59, Borden 52.
• News & notes: The winner of this game will face either Eastern (4-1) or Salem (1-3) in Saturday’s Washington County championship game. The loser will play at 6 p.m. Both games will be played at Salem. … Five Braves scored at least nine points in last Friday’s win over South Central, led by Kasym Nash’s 28 points. Mason Carter added 13, Cruz Martin had 12, while Mason Jones and Sterling Mikel finished with 9 apiece in the conference triumph. … Borden took control with a 22-11 advantage in the third quarter of its win over the Rebels.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 61, West Washington 40.
• Sagarin projection: Borden by 26.
• Outlook: This is a game either team could win — and West Wash is definitely better than its winless record would normally indicate — but we love what Nash is doing with this Borden team.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 71, West Washington 58.

EASTERN (4-1) AT SALEM (1-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Event: 1st Harrison Bank Washington County Invitational, first round.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem H.S. (700 N. Harrison St., Salem)
• Coaches:
Eastern — Chandler Prible (16-14 in second season at Eastern)
Salem — Duane Malloy (1-3 in first season at Salem)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Eastern — No. 79, No. 13 Class 2A
Salem — No. 291, No. 80 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Won at Clarksville 84-57 (Dec. 11)
Salem — Lost at Mitchell 75-63 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Salem 22-15. The Lions have won 14 of the last 15 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 30 — At Salem 73, Eastern 72 (3 OT)
• News & notes: The winner of this game will face either Borden (3-2) or West Washington (4-0) in Saturday’s Washington County championship game. The loser will play at 6 p.m. Both games will be played at Salem. … These rivals played six overtime in two games last season. Yes, six overtimes (three in each matchup). The Lions and Musketeers split the contests with the Lions beating Eastern en route to last year’s Washington County title. Salem’s two wins in the tournament were half of their 2020-21 victories.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 67, Salem 44.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 20.
• Outlook: You can see the incremental improvement for Salem, but the Musketeers should advance to Saturday’s championship game.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 68, Salem 55.

SOUTH CENTRAL (1-4) AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (1-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Christian Academy of Indiana (1000 Academy Dr., New Albany)
• Coaches:
South Central — Greg Robinson (174-172 in 16th season at South Central, 196-235 in 20th season overall)
CAI — Hayden Casey (10-19 in second season at CAI)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
South Central — No. 221, No. 28 Class A
CAI — No. 314, No. 60 Class A
• Most recent game:
South Central — Lost to Perry Central 47-44 (Dec. 11)
CAI — Lost at Rock Creek 66-54 (Dec. 10)
• Last 20 years: CAI 16-10. The Warriors have won 12 in a row over South Central.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 12 — Christian Academy 66, at South Central 41.
• News & notes: The Warriors have only played one game in December. … The Warriors and Rebels could face each other again in the next couple weeks. Both teams will participate in the Southridge Winter Classic Dec. 28-30. CAI opens the tournament against Eastern Greene (1-4) at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and will face either Orleans (3-1) or Northeast Dubois (2-3) in the second round the following day. South Central drew the host Raiders (1-4) and will face either North Knox (4-2) or Princeton (2-3) in the second round on Dec. 29.
• John Harrell prediction: South Central 67, Christian Academy 56.
• Sagarin projection: South Central by 7.
• Outlook: The Class A sectional appears to be wide open. Both of these teams have to believe they have the ability win it in March.
• Greg’s pick: Christian Academy 62, South Central 51.

HENRYVILLE (1-5, 0-0 SAC) AT LANESVILLE (0-6, 0-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville H.S. (2725 Crestview Ave. NE, Lanesville)
• Coaches:
Henryville — Jared Hill (92-81 in eighth season at Henryville)
Lanesville — Mikel Miller (287-215 in 22nd season at Lanesville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Henryville — No. 316, No. 76 Class 2A
Lanesville — No. 281, No. 43 Class A
• Most recent game:
Henryville — Lost at Hauser 46-32 (Dec. 11)
Lanesville — Lost to Springs Valley 65-62 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 16-8. The Eagles have won 3 consecutive games in the series
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 18, 2020 — Lanesville 44, at Henryville 40.
• News & notes: Lanesville’s 0-5 start is its slowest start since the Eagles lost their first 11 games in 1995-96 under Jerry Reinhardt. … On Dec. 17, Lanesville will recognize its 2007 team for the 15th anniversary of their regional championship. The ceremony will take place after the junior varsity game between the Eagles and Henryville. The JV is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the varsity to follow. … The Eagles will start the Edinburgh Classic against the host Lancers (5-0) at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28. Later that day, they’ll battle either North White (3-1) or Hagerstown (1-4) in either a tournament semifinal or the consolation bracket at 8 p.m. The final round will be played Dec. 29 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. … An 11-0 run helped the Hornets grab an 18-14 lead against Hauser before they were outscored 32-14 the rest of the way in a 14-point road loss on Dec. 11. … The Hornets will host Crothersville (1-3), Christian Academy (1-1) and Springs Valley (3-2) in the McKee Munk Invitational on Dec. 23. The Hornets open the tournament at 10 a.m. against Crothersville. With a win, the Hornets would face either CAI or Springs Valley at 7:45 p.m. in the championship game that night. With a loss, they’ll play in the consolation game at 6 p.m. at Furnish Gymnasium.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 51, Henryville 45.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 9.
• Outlook: These teams are a combined 1-11 and it just feels weird. Neither team is as bad as its record.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 57, Henryville 48.

ROCK CREEK (3-1) AT HOLY CROSS (KY.) (3-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Holy Cross H.S. (5144 Dixie Hwy., Shively, Ky.)
• Coaches:
Rock Creek — Chris Brown (351-282 in 26th season at Rock Creek)
Holy Cross — Jody A. Thornsberry (coaching record unavailable)
• Most recent game:
Rock Creek — Defeated Cannelton 67-40 (Dec. 11)
Holy Cross — Lost to Fairdale 65-52 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Holy Cross 2-0
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 21, 2019 — At Holy Cross 54, Rock Creek 53.
• News & notes: Rock Creek had six players with at least 7 points in Saturday’s 27-point win over Cannelton. Junior center Jaleb Treat led the way with 14 points. … The Lions will open the Daviess County Classic on Dec. 28 against Brownstown Central (4-0) at 4:30 p.m. The second round is Dec. 29 and Rock Creek will battle either Paoli (3-0) or Loogootee (7-1) in the second round (at 4:30 p.m. with a loss against Brownstown, or at 6 p.m. with a win). The final round — against either Barr-Reeve (5-2), South Knox (3-2), defending Class A state champion Fort Wayne Blackhawk (3-0) or North Daviess (6-0) — is the Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. (seventh-place game), 4:30 p.m. (fifth), 6 p.m. (third) or 7:30 p.m. (championship). … Sophomore Jacob Hand is averaging 22.5 points per game through four games for the Cougars. He is shooting 58.7 percent from the field this season. Senior Justin Cummins helps with 17.8 points per contest.
• Outlook: Rock Creek has never beaten the Cougars. That changes Friday.
• Greg’s pick: Rock Creek 63, Holy Cross 55.

RISING SUN (0-3) AT NEW WASHINGTON (1-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: James Matthews Gymnasium (a.k.a. The Jim), New Washington H.S. (226 N. Highway 62, New Washington)
• Coaches:
Rising Sun — Brandon Snodgrass (7-14 in second season at Rising Sun)
New Washington — Kyle Brown (10-16 in second season at New Wash)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Rising Sun — No. 334, No. 66 Class A
New Washington — No. 312, No. 58 Class A
• Most recent game:
Rising Sun — Lost at Switzerland County 56-52 (Dec. 10)
New Washington — Won at Shawe 57-45 (Nov. 27)
• Last 20 years: New Wash 8-7.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 20, 2019 — At New Washington 51, Rising Sun 44.
• News & notes: These two teams did not play each other last season after facing each other in each of the past 15 seasons. … Due to postponements, New Wash hasn’t played yet in December. … New Washington’s game against Christian Academy has been rescheduled for Jan. 4 and its game against Rock Creek has been rescheduled to Jan. 15. … Brady Works (17), Peyton Merica (14) and Damon Carrigan (12) scored 43 of Rising Sun’s 52 points in a 4-point loss to Switzerland County on Dec. 10. The Shiners had 17 turnovers in the defeat.
• John Harrell prediction: New Washington 53, Rising Sun 47.
• Sagarin projection: New Wash by 7.
• Outlook: If the Mustangs aren’t rusty, they should pick up their second win.
• Greg’s pick: New Washington 59, Rising Sun 49.

PAOLI (3-0) AT AUSTIN (1-4)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Rigel Gymnasium (401 S. Hwy. 31, Austin)
• Coaches:
Paoli — Dusty Cole (146-68 in 10th season at Paoli)
Austin — Randy Edwards (36-66 in fifth season at Austin)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Paoli — No. 164, No. 29 Class 2A
Austin — No. 285, No. 68 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Paoli — Defeated West Washington 53-41 (Dec. 10)
Austin — Lost to Jennings County 89-52 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: Paoli 15-9. The Rams have won 9 in a row vs. Henryville.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 20, 2019 — Paoli 61, at Henryville 35.
• News & notes: Austin’s four losses have been by an average of 21 points. … The Rams are seven wins away from its 10th straight double-digit win season.
• John Harrell prediction: Paoli 59, Austin 47.
• Sagarin projection: Paoli by 9.
• Outlook: Looking at Austin’s schedule, it could be a while before the Eagles find some success on the scoreboard.
• Greg’s pick: Paoli 59, Austin 44.

By GREG MENGELT

VERMILLION, S.D. — Host South Dakota outscored Bellarmine 43-26 in the second half of Wednesday’s 78-64 win at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

Bellarmine led 33-24 after former Providence star Juston Betz made two free throws with 6:09 left the first half. South Dakota (7-4) closed the first half strong but still trailed 38-35 at the half.

Bellmarine (4-7) still led 51-46 after two free throws by senior guard Dylan Penn (Evansville/Memorial) with 10:51 to play. The Coyotes went on a 11-0 spurt that led to a 32-13 South Dakota advantage the rest of the way.

Penn — the Knights’ leading scorer at 15.7 points per game coming in — had a team-bet 19 points in the loss. He was 8 for 19 from the field and had 7 rebounds.

Senior guard CJ Fleming (Cincinnati) had 16 points and junior guard Alec Pfriem (Cincinnati) added 10.

Betz, a senior, had 4 points but led Bellarmine with 10 rebounds and with 4 assists. He also had a steal.

South Dakota senior guard Xavier Fuller had a game-high 20 points and sophomore guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt had 19. The Coyotes have won three of their last four games.

Bellarmine goes to Oxford, Ohio, to face a 5-4. Miami team on Saturday at 2 p.m. That game will air on ESPN3.

Next game: At Miami (Ohio), Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. (ESPN3)

By GREG MENGELT

Silver Creek has had some serious challenges in its first ever season as reigning state champions.

Charlestown (9-2) rolled into Sellersburg and left with one of its two losses this season. Corydon Central (11-1) came to town and left with its only loss of the season to date. Then there was the back-to-back wins over the areas 4A programs Jeffersonville (7-6) and New Albany (4-8) by a combined 29 points.

And don’t forget about the weekend the Dragons drove three hours to beat Kentucky’s fifth-ranked team at Bowling Green (still the Purples’ only loss this season), drove a few more hours to Evansville and beat a very good North (5-2) team the less than 24 hours later.

But Thursday night’s Hoosier Hills Hoops Game of the Night at Bedford North Lawrence (10-1) is the biggest challenge yet. The Stars are 10-1 with a 1-point loss to Illinois power Fremd as their only defeat. BNL won state championships in 1983, 1991, 2013 and 2014 and this Stars’ team appears to be on par with those great squads.

“A blue chip program,” Silver Creek coach Scott Schoen said of BNL. “Well coached and disciplined.”

The Stars are led by sophomore Chloe Spreen and junior Karsyn Norman. The duo combines for 31 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 4.5 assists per game.

“A very good all-around team with two special players in Carson Norman and Chloe Spreen,” Schoen said.

Bedford has been the area’s measuring stick for about a decade now. The Stars were Silver Creek’s only opponent to win in Sellersburg last season. BNL prevailed 59-54 on Jan. 14.

“It’s a great barometer for where we are as a team,” Schoen said. “Win or lose, this game doesn’t figure into what we ultimately want to do. Tough game for us because it’s sandwiched between Scottsburg and a road game to Brownstown. Also during finals week. Dumb scheduling on my part, but it will resemble a sectional type week with three good opponents.”

After all they’ve accomplished in the last 15 months — and the hurdles they’ve cleared already this season — it would be silly discount the defending champions. Silver Creek goes to Bedford with the state’s best record (tied with Franklin) at 12-0 and easily the state’s longest winning streak at 22 games.

“Our overall team is playing very well, sharing the basketball, not worried about who is scoring, unselfish,” Schoen said. “Defensively, Syd Sierota and Emme Rooney have stepped their defensive awareness up. Em being able to match up with size and strength, Syd with speed, allows Kynidi (Mason-Striverson) and Lacey (Tingle) to go do their things.”

GAME OF THE NIGHT
SILVER CREEK (12-0) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (10-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: BNL Fieldhouse (595 Stars Blvd., Bedford)
• Coaches:
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (167-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek)
BNL — Jeff Allen (165-35 in eighth season at BNL)
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 9 IBCA (single class); No. 2 AP (Class 3A).
BNL — No. 6 IBCA (single class); No. 5 AP (Class 4A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Silver Creek — No. 26, No. 6 Class 3A
BNL — No. 10, No. 9 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Silver Creek — Defeated Scottsburg 72-50 (Dec. 14)
BNL — Defeated Brownsburg 44-32 (Dec. 11)
• Last 20 years: BNL 2-0.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 14 — BNL 59, at Silver Creek 54.
• News & notes: BNL handed the Dragons one of their three losses in 2020-21. It was Silver Creek’s only loss in Sellersburg all season. … Silver Creek has the longest winning streak in the state at 22 games. Class 4A No. 2 Franklin has the second-longest streak at 12 games. The Dragons and Grizzly Cubs are tied for the state’s best record at 12-0. … The Dragons outscored Scottsburg 29-8 in the first quarter of Tuesday’s 72-50 MSC triumph. … The Dragons will face host Hammond Morton (3-9) at 2 p.m. and Hammond Noll (2-5) at 6 p.m. on Dec. 28 in the Hoops 4 Pink Invitational at Noll. Silver Creek’s final game in the tournament is Dec. 29 against Detroit Edison (3-1), Gary West (6-2) or Indianapolis HomeSchool in the final round. The fifth-place game is scheduled for 3 p.m., the third-place game at 5 p.m. and the championship game at 7 p.m. on Dec. 29. … Sophomore Chloe Spreen had 19 points and junior Karsyn Norman added 16 in BNL’s 64-26 victory over Seymour. … In the win, which makes the Stars 4-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference, the new running-close mercy rule was implemented. The score was 48-13 when the clock automatically began running late in the third quarter. … The BNL defense forced 20 turnovers against Seymour. .. As good as its defense was against the Owls, BNL was just 2 for 17 from behind the 3-point arc, according to Justin Sokeland of WBIW.com. … The Stars held Brownsburg to 23.5 percent from the field in a 44-32 home victory on Dec. 11. … Former BNL star Kristin (Pritchett) Messmore was indicted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on Dec. 14.
• John Harrell prediction: BNL 53, Silver Creek 42.
• Sagarin projection: BNL by 13.
• Outlook: Even on the road, don’t be surprised if the Dragons pull this one off. It’s silly, at this point, to continue to doubt them.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 66, BNL 64.

SALEM (6-3, 2-1 MSC) AT NORTH HARRISON (8-4, 2-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: North Harrison H.S. (1070 Hwy. 64 N.W., Ramsey)
• Coaches:
Salem — Jerry Hickey (143-68 in ninth season at Salem)
North Harrison — Jamie Kolkmeier (20-10 in second season at North Harrison)
• Rankings:
Salem — No. 14 AP (Class 3A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Salem — No. 56, No. 11 Class 3A
North Harrison — No. 117, No. 33 Class 3A
• Most recent game:
Salem — Lost at Corydon Central 48-44 (Dec. 10)
North Harrison — Defeated Providence 38-25 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: North Harrison 16-9. Salem has won 4 in a row in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — At Salem 73, North Harrison 45.
• News & notes: The Lions shot 15 for 35 from the field and made 8 of their 10 free throws in Friday’s 4-point MSC loss to Corydon. … Seniors Diana Burgher and Ali Saunders combined for 33.7 points, 12 rebounds, almost 5 assists, 4.4 steals and almost 2 blocks per game. There might be a better duo in Southern Indiana but there aren’t many.
• John Harrell prediction: Salem 56, North Harrison 43.
• Sagarin projection: Salem by 8.
• Outlook: The Lions should bounce back to a big MSC win.
• Greg’s pick: Salem 60, North Harrison 48.

NEW ALBANY (4-8) AT PROVIDENCE (2-9)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Larkin Center, Our Lady of Providence (707 Providence Way, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
New Albany — Shelby Gliebe (10-24 in second season at New Albany, 14-43 in third season overall)
Providence — Brad Burden (161-157 in 14th season at Providence)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Albany — No. 148, No. 60 Class 4A
Providence — No. 314, No. 78 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Albany — Lost at Jennings County 53-43 (Dec. 11)
Providence — Lost to Austin 60-40 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: New Albany 17-3. The Bulldogs have won 4 of the last 5 against Providence.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At New Albany 60, Providence 23.
• News & notes: Providence will hold Alumni Night on Thursday when the Pioneers host New Albany. The alumni will be recognized between games and tours will be given of the remodeled locker rooms, the Hall of Champions and Koetter Gym. … The Bulldogs led Jennings County 25-22 at the half before being outscored 31-18 in the final 16 minutes of Saturday’s 10-point road loss. Taylor Treat led New Albany with 16 points and Maleea Roland added 13.
• John Harrell prediction: New Albany 58, Providence 31.
• Sagarin projection: New Albany by 23.
• Outlook: New Albany needs a win … and they get a big one.
• Greg’s pick: New Albany 55, Providence 30.

FLOYD CENTRAL (3-7, 0-2 HHC) AT SEYMOUR (5-6, 0-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium, Seymour H.S. (1350 W. Second St., Seymour)
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (22-54 in fourth season at Floyd Central)
Seymour — Jason Longmeier (117-98 in 10th season at Seymour, 151-148 in 14th season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Floyd Central — No. 160, No. 63 Class 4A
Seymour — No. 142, No. 58 Class 4A
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Lost at Bloomington North 45-39 (Dec. 11)
Seymour — Lost at Columbus North 60-48 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Seymour 16-9. The Owls have won 6 of the last 7 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — At Seymour 44, Floyd Central 37.
• News & notes: The Highlanders led Bloomington North 31-22 after the third quarter before being outscored 23-8 in the fourth period of Saturday’s 6-point loss. … Floyd attended the Louisvlile-Kentucky women’s basketball game as team at the KFC Yum! Center on Sunday. Louisville was victorious 64-58. … The Owls have lost four straight on the heels of an earlier 5-game winning streak.
• John Harrell prediction: Seymour 48, Floyd Central 46.
• Sagarin projection: Seymour by 7.
• Outlook: This will probably be the most competitive game of the night.
• Greg’s pick: Seymour 44, Floyd Central 41

NEW WASHINGTON (5-6) AT EASTERN (7-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern H.S. (1100 N. Eastern School Rd., Pekin)
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kirsti Hollway (60-89 in seventh season at New Wash)
Eastern — Michael McBride (226-118 in 15th season at Eastern)
• Rankings:
Eastern — No. 12 AP (Class 2A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
New Washington — No. 242, No. 32 Class A
Eastern — No. 126, No. 24 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Defeated Southwestern 37-36 (Dec. 9)
Eastern — Defeated West Washington 52-15 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Eastern 14-6. The Musketeers have won 8 in a row vs. New Wash.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 19, 2020 — Eastern 50, New Washington 23.
• News & notes: Eastern junior Kyia McKinley outscored West Washington by herself with 20 points in the Musketeers’ 52-15 victory. … Eastern outscored the Mustangs 15-0 in the third quarter of Thursday’s win. … Eastern will begin the Niehaus Lumber Classic at Vincennes Rivet with an 11:30 a.m. contest on Dec. 28 against Evansville Mater Dei (6-4). Later that day, the Musketeers will face either Lafayette Central Catholic (7-2) or the host Patriots (8-0) in the second round later that evening (at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.). Corydon Central (11-1), Tecumseh (5-4), Evansville Memorial (6-2) and Jasper (2-7) are on the other half of the bracket. The final round is set for Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. (seventh-place game), 2:45 p.m. (fifth), 5 p.m. (third) or 7 p.m. (championship). All 12 games will be played at Vincennes University.
• John Harrell prediction: Eastern 52, New Washington 34.
• Sagarin projection: Eastern by 21.
• Outlook: The Musketeers are quietly having another really good season.
• Greg’s pick: Eastern 63, New Washington 49.

AUSTIN (3-8) AT CLARKSVILLE (2-10)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Clarksville H.S. Main Gymnasium (800 Dr. Dot Lewis Drive, Clarksville)
• Coaches:
Austin — Jared Petersen (234-172 in 17th season at Austin)
Clarksville — Amanda Carmichael (10-26 in second season at Clarksville, 70-120 in ninth season overall)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Austin — No. 228, No. 54 Class 2A
Clarksville — No. 372, No. 96 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Austin — Won at Providence 60-40 (Dec. 14)
Clarksville — Lost at Paoli 68-14 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Austin 19-5. The Eagles have a 16-game winning streak vs. Clarksville.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At Austin 57, Clarksville 45.
• News & notes: Austin has won two of its last three following a 7-game losing streak. … The Generals’ 16 points Tuesday against Austin tied a season-low. They also scored 16 in a season-opening loss to West Washington.
• John Harrell prediction: Austin 56, Clarksville 23.
• Sagarin projection: Austin by 29.
• Outlook: Austin is a better team than its record suggests.
• Greg’s pick: Austin 49, Clarksville 27.

WEST WASHINGTON (7-4) AT HENRYVILLE (2-6)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gym, Henryville H.S. (213 N. Ferguson St., Henryville)
• Coaches:
West Washington — Matthew Myers (15-19 in second season at West Washington)
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (17-33 in third season at Henryville)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
West Washington — No. 287, No. 47 Class A
Henryville — No. 340, No. 86 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
West Washington — Won at Orleans 39-23 (Dec. 14)
Henryville — Lost at Charlestown 72-19 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Henryville 13-5. The Hornets have won 3 of the last 4 in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 8, 2020 — Henryville 37, at West Washington 29.
• John Harrell prediction: West Washington 43, Henryville 30.
• Sagarin projection: West Washington by 8.
• Outlook: There are probably going to be a lot of blowouts Thursday night. This doesn’t appear to be one of those.
• Greg’s pick: West Washington 47, Henryville 42.

SCOTTSBURG (7-5) AT MITCHELL (10-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Mitchell H.S. (1000 West Bishop Blvd., Mitchell)
• Coaches:
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (15-20 in second season at Scottsburg, 118-76 in seventh season overall)
Mitchell — Tim Haworth (21-8 in second season at Mitchell)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Scottsburg — No. 110, No. 30 Class 3A
Mitchell — No. 150, No. 31 Class 2A
• Most recent game:
Scottsburg — Lost at Silver Creek 72-50 (Dec. 14)
Mitchell — Won at Shoals 68-23 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 8-1.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — Mitchell 52, at Scottsburg 48.
• News & notes: Scottsburg will play twice on Tuesday, Dec. 28 in the first day of the Cheatham Classic at Meyer Gym. The Warriorettes will face a very good East Central (6-1) team at 11:45 a.m. before closing the day with a 6:45 p.m. tilt with Bloomington South (1-9). Scottsburg will face either Lawrenceburg (8-4), Chatard (3-5) or Charlestown (8-2) in the final round of Dec. 29.
• John Harrell prediction: Scottsburg 47, Mitchell 46.
• Sagarin projection: Scottsburg by 1.
• Outlook: Pay no attention to the records. We believe the Warriorettes are the better team, even away from home.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 59, Mitchell 49.

CRAWFORD COUNTY (4-8) AT LANESVILLE (11-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville H.S. (2725 Crestview Ave. NE, Lanesville)
• Coaches:
Crawford County — Christopher Broughton (115-90 in ninth season at Crawford County)
Lanesville — Angie Hinton (73-16 in fourth season at Lanesville, 246-89 in 15th season overall)
• Rankings:
Lanesville — No. 3 AP (Class A).
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Crawford County — No. 217, No. 52 Class 2A
Lanesville — No. 65, No. 2 Class A
• Most recent game:
Crawford County — Lost at Mitchell 57-40 (Dec. 9)
Lanesville — Won at Borden 59-16 (Dec. 9)
• Last 20 years: Crawford County 16-5. The Wolfpack have won 8 of the last 9 vs. Lanesville.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 26, 2019 — At Lanesville 49, Crawford County 43.
• News & notes: The two teams didn’t face each other last season after playing twice in the 2019-2020 season. … The Eagles held Borden scoreless in the third quarter of last week’s SAC win over Borden. The Braves scored just 4 points after halftime. … Taylor Herbaugh (15) and Emily Kerce (13) combined for 28 points in the Wolfpack’s 59-31 win over Perry Central on Dec. 2.
• John Harrell prediction: Lanesville 54, Crawford County 29.
• Sagarin projection: Lanesville by 28.
• Outlook: This one’s gonna be all Lanesville.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 58, Crawford County 18.

BORDEN (7-3) AT SHOALS (2-9)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Shoals H.S. Main Gym (7900 US Hwy. 50, Shoals)
• Coaches:
Borden — Matt Vick (41-59 in fifth season at Borden)
Shoals — Kyle Turpin (10-46 in third season at Shoals)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
Borden — No. 310, No. 56 Class A
Shoals — No. 324, No. 63 Class A
• Most recent game:
Borden — Defeated Southwestern 44-39, OT (Dec. 14)
Shoals — Lost to Mitchell 68-23 (Dec. 14)
• Last 20 years: Borden 13-7. The Braves have won 3 in a row over Shoals.
• Most recent meeting: Dec. 17, 2020 — At Borden 53, Shoals 41.
• News & notes: Borden outscored Providence 8-4 in the fourth quarter to pull away for its sixth win of the season. Emily Cissell scored five of her game-high 10 points in the final 8 minutes. … The Braves went scoreless in the third quarter and scored 4 points in the second half of last week’s SAC loss to Lanesville.
• John Harrell prediction: Borden 42, Shoals 41.
• Sagarin projection: Shoals by 2.
• Outlook: Borden always seems to outperform the projections, including our own. We’re not going to make that mistake again.
• Greg’s pick: Borden 49, Shoals 40.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (3-8) AT CANNELTON (2-5)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Cannelton Community Center (601 Long Ave., Cannelton)
• Coaches:
CAI — Carson Casey (11-43 in third season at CAI)
Cannelton — Brian Garrett (6-42 in third season at Cannelton)
• Computer-based Sagarin Ratings:
CAI — No. 362, No. 77 Class A
Cannelton — No. 384, No. 87 Class A
• Most recent game:
CAI — Won at Clarksville 35-26 (Dec. 7)
Cannelton — Lost to Hancock County (Ky.) 55-17 (Dec. 6)
• Last 20 years: Cannelton 7-6. CAI has won 4 of the last 6 vs. the Bulldogs.
• Most recent meeting: Jan. 8 — Cannelton 54, at CAI 30.
• John Harrell prediction: CAI 48, Cannelton 27.
• Sagarin projection: CAI by 9.
• Outlook: The Warriors have already passed last year’s win total. On Thursday, they can double up last year’s win total.
• Greg’s pick: CAI 35, Cannelton 21.

By GREG MENGELT

RENO, Nev. — Former Jeffersonville star and Nevada sophomore Tre Coleman went scoreless in 27 minutes Wednesday evening, but his Wolf Pack won their fourth straight game, 98-62 over Minnesota-Duluth at the Lawlor Events Center.

After starting the season 1-4, the Wolf Pack are now 5-4 on the season.

Coleman went 0 for 5 from the field but did grab 3 rebounds and blocked a shot. Nevada’s other four starters scored in double figures. Junior guard Grant Sheffield had a big night with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. He was 10 for 16 from the field and made 2 of his 3 3-pointers in the win. Senior Desmond Cambridge Jr. had a season-high 25 points and junior center Will Baker had 17 and junior guard Kevin Blackshear 13 for Nevada, which out-rebounded the previously-unbeaten Bulldogs 56-29.

The Pack shot 51.5 percent from the floor (35 of 68), 41.7 percent from behind the 3-point arc (10 for 24) and 75 percent of their free throws (18 for 24) in the win.

Sophomore forward Charlie Katona led Minnesota-Duluth with 15 points and junior guard Drew Blair had 14 in defeat.

Nevada will look to make it five in a row Saturday when they host Loyola Marymount at 11 p.m. locally. Coleman and the Pack can be seen on CBS Sports Network.