It’s been a long time since the Riverland men’s basketball team has played Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Friday, November 19, 1999

It’s been a long time since the Riverland men’s basketball team has played Milwaukee Area Technical College.

But since Milwaukee was in the area for tonight’s game against Anoka-Ramsey, Riverland coach Dave Lillemon figured it would be a good time to renew acquaintances. So he added Milwaukee to the Blue Devils’ schedule.

Riverland and Milwaukee will meet Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Blue Devils’ home opener.

"They’ll be quick," Lillemon said. "I expect quickness from that school even though we haven’t played them for a few years."

Lillemon’s squad hopes to cash in on Milwaukee’s night-day doubleheader and catch the Wisconsin club when it’s a bit worn down.

The Blue Devils also hope to do some wearing down themselves, by beating Milwaukee on the boards.

In a season-opening loss to the University of Wisconsin-Richland Center, Riverland outrebounded the opponent by nine boards, 48-39. Tom Yost came off the bench and out of nowhere to grab 10 of those.

Lillemon, whose team has just three returners, is still in the process of getting to know his players.

Every time a guy like Yost comes off the pine to post big numbers, Lillemon gets a better idea of what his team is capable of.

"We’re using these early games as a showcase," he said, "I want to see what some of our guys can do."

Some of Riverland’s guys are recovering from injuries and are questionable for the game.

First-year players Shane Fett (knee), Kris Brose (ankle), Cory Pluta (back spasms) and last season’s starting point guard Beau Hartman (ankle) are all game-time decisions as to whether or not they’ll play.

The thin roster hurt the Blue Devils in their opener, a game in which the team shot poorly and turned the ball over 19 times.

Contrarily, the Blue Devils forced 20 turnovers in that game.

"We played hard defensively," said Lillemon, who added that the early season is always a search for continuity. With the conference season coming after Christmas, the non-conference season is a time to find the right mix of starters and substitutes.

Lillemon would also like it to be a time to win.

"We need to play together," he said, "but I think it’ll be a benefit for us that they’re coming off a game the night before."