ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After a road win Tuesday to start the year, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team is home for the first time in 2018-19 Friday and Saturday when it hosts the annual Quinlivan & Hughes Tip-Off Classic. After earning a trip to nationals last season, CSB looks to build on that success and continue to move up in the MIAC and nationally this season.
 
The tournament starts at 6 p.m. Friday when Saint Mary's takes on Simpson, and CSB takes the court at 8 p.m. against Nebraska Wesleyan. Saturday, the Cardinals and NWU play at 1 p.m., and Saint Benedict hosts Simpson at 3 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE CARDINALS
Saint Mary's finished 16-11 overall last season and 10-8 in the MIAC. The Cardinals return three-time All-MIAC and all-region honoree Brandi Blattner for her senior season. She averaged 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game last season.
 
ABOUT THE STORM
Simpson started the 2018-19 season with an offensive outburst, beating Millikin 100-65. The Storm are coming off a 14-13 overall record and a 7-9 ARC finish last season. Back to lead Simpson this year is Jenna Taylor, who averaged 10.3 points and 5.0 rebounds last season. She had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the team's season-opening win.
 
ABOUT THE PRAIRIE WOLVES
Nebraska Wesleyan is 1-1 this season after an early tournament in Denver. The Prairie Wolves are coming off a 14-11 finish in 2017-18, and return Caitlin Navratil, who led the team in scoring with 18.6 points per game. Carly Bostock returns as the team's leading rebounder. Navratil is averaging 19.5 points in two games played this season.
 
WHO TO WATCH:
CSB started the season with a road win at Morris Tuesday evening. Sophomore Megan Thompson tied her career high with 18 points, and first year McKenzie Holgate scored 15 points in her collegiate debut. Junior Alex Johnson finished with a team-high 12 rebounds, and Sidney Schiffler had three assists.