GRAND FORKS – BJ Omot was a standout player at Mankato East High School. He played in many big high school games.
He is currently a freshman at UND and is a 6-foot-8 long athletic forward recruited for his ability to play inside at the college level.
His first taste of the college game came Monday night when UND beat Waldorf College 93-48 at The Betty.
He provided a candid assessment of the first game.
“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “As you can see, I was nervous in the first half.
That was probably a big point for UND, who are looking to improve on their 6-25 record last season.
Omoto, who started, scored 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting.
He was one of six rookies to face the NAIA Warriors, coached by former UND player Nigel Jenkins.
The eight returning players also had good moments in the exhibition games.
Mitchell Suker scored 24 points in the first half with 22 points.
Sueker could see a difference in UND’s start this season compared to last year’s first game.
“We had a similar show last year, but it didn’t turn out like this,” says Sueker. “It was a lot closer. I think we brought a lot of energy through the whole game tonight.
“I think we have definitely improved our defense over last year. We went out and got some guys who can really defend and chase it. “
The Hawks finished in double figures with four players as Tsotnetzartsidze added 17 as the 6-foot-9 forward showed improved outside shots.
Brian Matthews added 12 points and shot 4/5 at the post.
UND shot 47% and had 45 rebounds.
“There were a lot of good things, but a lot of things that needed to be worked on,” said fourth-year coach Paul Sather. “There’s a lot of rotation elements that we’re still trying to figure out. I think that’s going to be a big part of it. So the message to our mates is that this locker room needs everyone. I haven’t played much. There were players, but that doesn’t mean anything until the season starts in earnest.
At one point, UND came up with a 14 straight defensive stop in the second half.
“Our focus was to get the turkey three stops in a row, like three strikes in bowling,” said the UND coach.
The season is getting real as UND gears up for the regular season opener at Incarnate Word on Friday. Starting with his UND opener in San Antonio, Texas, the Hawks will play at Clayton on his November 10th.
Coached by former UND assistant Greg McDermott, Clayton is favored to win the Big East title this season.
Eric Hilden/Grand Forks Herald
Eric Hilden/Grand Forks Herald
