Skylights back on the floor with Lethbridge

There have been many seasons when the Montana State University-Northern Skylights have played the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns twice. But not like this one.

On Saturday afternoon, the No. 16 Skylights (2-0) will face the Pronghorns inside the Armory Gymnasium. And not only will it be the second time Northern has played Lethbridge this season, but it is also the second game of a back-to-back against the Pronghorns in Havre.

Last Friday night, Northern beat Lethbridge 74-54, on the strength of 22 points from senior Natalee Faupel. It was a big win for the Skylights, considering Lethbridge is a much-improved team this season, but, it also served as a reminder that the Skylights will have to be equally as sharp facing them the second time around.

"It will be a heck of a challenge playing them (Horns) again," Northern head coach Chris Mouat said. "I'm so impressed with their team. They're athletic, talented, they're big and they're well-coached."

Of course, the Skylights have already shown that they're pretty good, too.

Northern is averaging nearly 80 points per game on offense, and it's a balanced and deep offense at that. Faupel and Jacy Thompson lead the way, but Molly Kreycik, Sierra Richards and Cydney Auzenne, who is currently splitting time between volleyball and basketball, add to Northern's firepower.

MSU-N's bench has also been outstanding thus far, including Northern's two newcomers. Junior transfer Kaelani Sagopolu and true freshman Shiloh McCormick have already both scored in double figures this season, and McCormick, the sharp-shooting guard from St. Labre, already has five 3-pointers.

As expected, MSU-N has also been very good on defense, and Mouat expects his team to bring a great defensive effort again Saturday, as Lethbridge standouts like Jessica Bachynski and Katie Keith will certainly present challenges for the Skylights.

Mouat is also looking for his team to continue taking advantage of playing in the Armory Gymnasium. Saturday's game is the third of four early home games to open the season, as the Skylights will also host Central Baptist Nov. 4, following an exhibition game at the University of Montana Nov. 2.

For now, however, the Skylights are solely focused on getting better, and their rematch with the Pronghorns on Saturday. Tipoff between Northern and Lethbridge is set for 3 p.m. inside the Armory Gymnasium.

"It's exciting to see us play as well as we have so far," Mouat said. "There are certainly things we need to continue to work on. There are plenty of things to continue to clean up. And we also know that Lethbridge will come back here and give us everything they have. That game will be a big challenge for our kids. But, I like where we're at so far, and hopefully, we just continue to to get better and keep making progress."