Fresh off of an 80-65 win in the season opener against Southeast Missouri State, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team will be right back in action on Tuesday evening versus Marian at 7 p.m. inside the Ford Center.
In Sunday’s season opener, Purple Aces senior Egidijus Mockevicius showed just why he earned a spot on the MVC Preseason All-Conference Team. Mockevicius hit 7 of his 11 shots to finish the game with 18 points. He hauled in 14 rebounds with 10 coming on the defensive end and also added six blocked shots and a steal. His final of six blocks was the second-most in the nation in the opening weekend of play.
Senior D.J. Balentine had a “quiet†20-point game against Southeast Missouri State in Sunday’s opening game. Balentine hit 4 of his 14 attempts, but did his damage at the free throw line, downing 10 of his 12 attempts. Going back to last season, Balentine has notched at least 16 points in each of his last nine games.
Junior Mislav Brzoja certainly enjoys playing in the first game of the season. Last year, Brzoja set his career marks in points and rebounds with 21 points and 11 boards on a 10-of-12 effort against Earlham. It was his lone double-double of the season. This year, Brzoja was at it again versus SEMO, setting a career-high with 12 rebounds while scoring 16 points.
Led by former Aces assistant Carson Harris, Marian comes to town sporting a perfect 5-0 record. Most recently, the Knights defeated Shawnee State (Ohio) by a final of 73-56 on Saturday. Nick Painter has been the top scorer for Marian, recording 16.6 points per game. He is one of five to average double figures. Just behind him is Wesley Stowers, who checks in at 15.8 PPG.
Following Tuesday night’s match, the Aces are back home on Saturday as they welcome Belmont for a 12:30 p.m. game. Prior to the game, the annual Fan Fest will be held just outside the Ford Center from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the game. It will be held on Freedom Plaza.
