The Tribune

Justin Smith hit seven three-pointers to lead the UB Mingoes with 27 points in the loss to The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks 92-82 in Summer of Thunder action on Sunday at The Kendal Issacs gym.

The Mingoes got within single digits of the division one school twice in the fourth quarter but just ran out of time. Smith said that despite the loss the team looks good for the regular season.

"The Lumberjacks play systematic basketball and we were able to get within single digits at one point," he said.

"The teams we will see this season aren't any better than them so as long as we play as a team and move the ball around we expect good things this upcoming season."

Kemsy Sylvester also had 19 points for the Mingoes to go along with six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Christoph McKensie also had nine points for The Mingoes. The bench was also impressive for the Mingoes with 45 points against The Lumberjacks.

The Mingoes also forced 23 turnovers that converted to 26 points to go along with 14 fast break points. The Lumberjacks however out-rebounded the Mingoes 55-27.

Smith, who is also team captain, said that with this being only the team's third game of the preseason they are hopeful for the season.

"We learned that if we move the ball around we play better as a team," he said.

"We got a lot of open shots once we moved the ball around the court."

The Mingoes finished 0-3 in the pre-season warmup and will start the season with the Governor's State Jaguars Tip-Off Classic October 26th and 27th in University Park, Illinois.