Friday, November 20th, 7:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Clune Arena (5,858) -- Air Force Academy, Colorado. Television: None. Home Record: Northern Colorado 0-0, Texas Southern 1-0. Away Record: Northern Colorado 1-0, Texas Southern 0-2. Neutral Record: Northern Colorado 2-0, Texas Southern 0-0. Conference Record: Northern Colorado 0-0, Texas Southern 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: Fresh off claiming the title of the Hawaii Rainbow Classic, the Northern Colorado Bears will take part in another tournament when they battle the Texas Southern Tigers as part of the Reggie Minton Air Force Classic.

The only thing better for the Bears than opening their new campaign in Hawaii was winning the three-game Classic. Northern Colorado opened the tournament with a 101-73 decision over McNeese State and that was followed by victories over Southern Utah (73-51) and the host Hawaii (81-75). It is the first 3-0 start for Northern Colorado since playing at the Division I level, and a win tonight would give the team its first 4-0 start since the 1984-85 campaign.

As for the Tigers, they have dropped two of their first three games on the year. Texas Southern suffered an 89-70 setback to Texas-El Paso in its first game and followed that with a 72-65 decision over Idaho. However, the team fell right back into the loss column with an 88-77 setback to Colorado in its latest matchup. Next up for the Tigers will be a matchup against Air Force.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the hardwood.

The Bears' fantastic 3-0 start is clearly because of the team's relentless approach offensively, as Northern Colorado comes into this game averaging an impressive 85.0 ppg. Will Figures has been virtually unstoppable and is currently pacing the team with 18.0 ppg. Chris Kaba is the only other player contributing double-figures, as the big man is netting 11.3 ppg, to go along with 4.7 rpg. In the team's recent win over Hawaii, the Bears shot 49.0 percent from the field and also made 26-of-34 attempts from the foul line. Figures led the way with 15 points in the win, while Yahosh Bonner contributed 14 points. As for Kaba, he tallied 12 points in the contest, while Neal Kingman chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

The Tigers' main problem thus far has been their lack of success defensively, as opponents are netting 80.7 ppg. The poor play at that end of the floor has taken away from the team's solid production offensively, as Texas Southern comes into this game posting 73.0 ppg. Junior Treasure is leading the team with 24.0 ppg, but the guard was not on the court in the team's recent matchup against Colorado. However, he should be in the starting lineup tonight. Travele Jones is contributing 18.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg, while Deandre Hall has also done well in the paint for Texas Southern, netting 14.0 ppg, to go along with a team-best 8.0 rpg. In the loss to Colorado, the Tigers struggled again defensively, allowing 88 points, which once again ruined a solid offensive performance. Without Treasure in the lineup, Jones led the way for TSU, pouring in 31 points to go along with nine rebounds. Hall added 16 points, six assists and seven boards, while Justin Ray chipped in 12 points.

This is a matchup made in heaven for Northern Colorado. The Bears have been dangerous offensively, while Texas Southern has been atrocious at the other end of the floor. Look for a high-scoring affair with the Bears finishing on top.

Predicted Outcome

Northern Colorado 87, Texas Southern 74