Exhibition games are not always accurate indicators of long-term failure or success, but UAB and Oregon State are both reeling slightly after dumping games to UNC-Pembroke and Western Oregon University respectively last weekend.
UAB came up short against Pembroke, 72-71, on Friday. However, the Blazers were without their best player, freshman William Lee, who has been out with a knee injury.
Blazers coach Jarod Haase expects the 6-9 Lee to be back in the line-up soon. UAB is coming off a 18-13 season.
Oregon State, by comparison, has slightly lower expectations after parting ways with former coach Craig Robinson and bringing in Wayne Tinkle from Montana.
Nonetheless, a 57-47 double-digit loss to Western Oregon was an unexpected disappointment to the Beavers faithful.
OSU struggled on both ends of the floor and watched Western grab a 7-0 early lead and extend its bulge to as many as 17 points in the second half.
While a victory over a Division I opponent is likely to boost the confidence of a smaller school, the losses by UAB and Oregon State will no doubt provide perspective to programs looking to work their way into national respectibility.
