With two road-game wins, the USI men’s basketball team sits at a comfortable position with a 10-0 record. But this weekend may mix things up a bit.

“The games seem to get a little more intense,” said Head Coach Rodney Watson.

“Missouri S&T beat us last time they came here, and Drury is the defending national champions,” he said.

Watson said everyone wants to improve each week.

“We are working to fine tune a few things and give our opponents something they haven’t seen on film,” he said.

One thing has been missing from the Eagles – Orlando Rutledge. After a semester of working on his academics, he’s back playing on the court.

“The big thing for him was last semester gave him the most confidence, academically, he’s ever had,” Watson said. “That’s a huge lift for him for finishing his degree.”

Rutledge’s first game back was against Kentucky Wesleyan.

“That’s a rivalry game for us,” he said. “It took me about the first half to really get into game shape.”

But he’s glad to be back, he said.

“Rutledge is a good teammate,” Watson said. “He has an excellent basketball body. … He can do things that you can’t draw a play for.”

Though he’s already played a game at home, Rutledge hasn’t played at home with the students.

“I can’t wait for the students to come back,” he said.

Watson said playing in the Physical Activities Center in a room filled with USI students is always good.

“We’re really excited to have our students back. They’re been a huge part of our season. I hope they embrace our teams,” he said. “I think the teams play really well together and I think it’s a group of young men and women that our student body would really be proud of.”

The men’s basketball team face Missouri S&T at 7:30 p.m Thursday in the PAC. The Eagles then tip off against the Drury Panthers at 3:15 p.m. Saturday.