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KIRKSVILLE, Mo.—The Truman State Men's Basketball team opened their season with victories at Lewis and Indianapolis this past weekend, and looks to keep the momentum going in an early showdown with Central division favorites Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

Last year the two teams played two nail biters—first a showdown in Kirksville with the conference lead on the line and the Bulldogs pulled through with a 72-71 victory. Turner Scott made the go ahead foul shot in the final seconds to give Truman the win. The second meeting was in the GLVC Tournament title game, which was a 53-52 Truman win. Brodric Thomas scored the final five points of the game, including a go-ahead three pointer with 1:03 left to propel the Bulldogs to the title.

Turner Scott continues to climb the leaderboard in Truman history in assists, with 316 for his career. He is three behind Banks Estridge for eighth place on the all-time list. His 14 helpers are the most in the conference, with an average of seven a game placing him second in the conference.

Dylan Peeters racked up double-doubles in each of the first two games this year, the fist Bulldog to accomplish that feat in over a decade. His 14 point, 14 rebound performance against UIndy set career highs in both individual categories. With a 13 rebound per game average, he sits second in the conference so far in this young season.

Cade McKnight led the team in scoring in both of the opening wins with 15 and 18 points, respectively. He hit 11-20 shots from the field, including three three-pointers. He's currently tied with Elijah Hazekamp for second on the team in rebounds with 5.5.

Hazekamp is tied for second on the team in points with 12 per game. He is tied for second on the team with four three pointers made, trailing only Masen Miller's five. Miller also dished out seven assists during the first two games, placing him second behind Scott.  

Overall the Bulldogs have won eight in a row dating back to last season. It is their longest win streak in five years, with Truman taking eight straight during the 2015-16 season. With a ninth straight win, the Bulldogs would make their longest winning streak since the 1998-99 season in which they won 15 straight during their final four run. Longest winning streak in program history is 20 games set in 1946-47.

Tritons Scouting Report

UMSL will play their first game of the season Thursday as they take on Quincy. Both of their games during opening weekend against Drury and Southwest Baptist were postponed due to the pandemic hitting both of the Triton's expected opponents.

The Tritons were ranked #9 in the preseason NABC poll, and return significant experience from last season's team that shared the regular season title with the Bulldogs. Guards Yaakema Rose and Jose Grubbs were the two leading scorers from last season and named first team All-GLVC. The team also returns guard Steve Webb, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in the GLVC last season. Head coach Bob Sundvold, who was last year's Coach of the Year, is back but top assistant Jesse Shaw was named the head coach at Maryville this summer.

Series History

Overall UMSL holds a 18-27 edge in the series. After the first two meetings in the early seventies, the two became regular opponents when UMSL joined the MIAA in the eighties. Early on many of the matchups went to the Tritons, but five of the last seven have been won by the Bulldogs. The two have met 11 times as members of the GLVC, with Truman holding a 6-5 edge.

Next Game

The Bulldogs go to St. Charles next to take on the Lindenwood Lions on the 12th. The Bulldogs will play their first game there since November of 2016, before Lindenwood joined the GLVC.