DeKALB | The NIU men’s basketball team opens its regular season as it hosts St. Mary’s at 7 p.m. tonight at the Convocation Center.

For head coach Rob Judson it is all about getting his team ready to defend a MAC West title.

“We’re looking for improvement and progress on defense,” Judson said. “In the exhibition game, our defense wasn’t where it needed to be.”

The fifth-year coach is looking for better on-the-ball defense, guarding against dribble penetration and improved blocking out for rebounds from his squad.

NIU cruised in a 77-47 exhibition game against Div. III St. Francis. Senior guard Mike McKinney and junior forward Zach Pancratz shot a 10-for-12 from the floor.

McKinney led NIU with 18 points; junior Shaun Logan came off the bench to lead NIU with seven rebounds and four assists. The Kirkwood C.C. transfer played a starter-like 22 minutes off the bench.

St. Mary’s is picked to finish ninth in the MIAC preseason coaches poll and was 9-16 on the 2005-06 campaign.

“Every game we play, our players focus,” Judson said. “Developing consistency in our mindset is the key.”