Location: CenturyLink Center, Omaha, NE

Time: 7:00pm CT

Media: 1620 the Zone

Welcome to this sports article! Today we'll be diving head first into a preview of an exhibition game. This brings about a bit of excitement since this was the glorified practice everyone expected as opposed to the surprise charity practice against UNO.

UNC-Pembroke isn't your typical cupcake match-up. There are strong ties between Greg McDermott and Pembroke's volunteer assistant coach Eldon Miller. McDermott played for Eldon's Northern Iowa Panthers from 1984-1988. Miller's son, Ben, is the head coach for the Braves, letting his pop stroll the sidelines in his assistant role.

The Braves retained their top two scoring options from a 24-8 campaign last season in 6'4 guard Brandon Watts and 6'7 forward Nigel Grant. They were part of a team that scored 78 PPG and finished their season with 10 consecutive wins before losing to Limestone in the D-II tournament.

Pembroke, North Carolina sits on the southeast border of the state, roughly 125 miles south of Durham. The city's population is estimated at about 3,000, making the campus population of 6,000+ greater than the permanent residents. This gives the city the true college town feel, completely overrun with folks in their early 20's trying really hard to get that sweet, sweet degree.

Other than Nigel Grant (Bronx, NY) and Micah Kinsey (Atlanta), the entire roster is filled with kids from North Carolina.

There are a few things to look for in this game, one primary focus is on whether or not Martin Krampelj can play more than 16 minutes without fouling out. His production this season is paramount to the Jays' success, and after his lackluster performance against UNO (5pts, 5 rebounds, 5 fouls) he's left a lot to be desired.

The other, more obvious point of focus, is that of the point guard play. Davion Mintz started in the last affair, with Kaleb Joseph eating some time while Khyri Thomas even get some play at the '1.' Games like these will offer the greater opportunities for the coach staff, and fans, to see what sort of dynamism can be offered from the floor general.