MSU-Northern Lights basketball kicked off the 2024-25 season with a neutral site victory in Billings over Embry-Riddle, but ended up dropping the home opener against Bushnell on Monday night. New Media Broadcasters asked head coach Shawn Huse about the early impression of the squad and he said the intensity on the schedule has been turned up a notch for non-conference and that has contributed to the split start this season.
“(In) years past, we’ve had a schedule where we ease our way into those conference-like opponents. This year, we’re not doing that,” Huse said. “This is like playing conference right from the jump.”
“With all the new rotations, I’m still figuring that out,” Huse continued. “It’s a lot to do and to come out with wins at the same time.”
It is still very early in the season, but coach Huse has a pulse on the team to know that they will be playing better basketball later this week when the team travels for neutral site games.
“Just knowing my team (and) knowing these guys, I can’t help but think (that) they’re going to bounce back and play much better basketball,” Huse said. “I’m sure we’re going to make some mistakes. I’m sure we’re going to have some moments.”
“I would expect us to really correct a lot of the things we’ve really harped on,” Huse continued.
The Lights will be at the Carroll College Classic in Helena for a tournament this weekend. Their opponents will be Southern Oregon on Friday at 5:30pm, followed by a Saturday showdown with Eastern Oregon at 6pm.
