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VIU basketball takes on NCAA's Northwestern State

The Vancouver Island University Mariners men’s b-ball team plays host to the Northwestern State Demons of the NCAA’s Div. 1.

Basketball season tips off in style this summer.

The Vancouver Island University Mariners men’s b-ball team plays host Tuesday (Aug. 14) to the Northwestern State Demons of the NCAA’s Div. 1.

VIU has been training informally for much of the off-season, but hasn’t had a chance to have all its guys together for anything like game action. So tonight they’ll just go out and play.

“These guys have all played at a high level and they know how to play the game,” said Matt Kuzminski, Mariners coach. “It won’t be completely structured but it shouldn’t be too bad.”

He’s interested to see how the M’s fare against a live opponent instead of scrimmaging amongst themselves.

“They’re probably getting tired of playing against each other all summer, for one,” he said. “And a lot of the guys have made some significant improvements as far as their strength and conditioning so it will be good to see where we’re at with that, especially against a team that might be a little bigger, faster and stronger than us.”

Kuzminski said he hopes the game creates excitement for the coming season.

“It’ll be fun basketball and for local fans, it’s a chance to see some high-level basketball in the summer. We don’t always get an opportunity for that.”

GAME ON … Tipoff on Tuesday is 6 p.m. at the VIU gym. Admission is $2-5. The VIU men will face another NCAA team, Cal State Northridge, on Aug. 22 in another 6 p.m. game at VIU.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com