THE LATEST LINE: SEMO HOOP SQUAD FACES BIG-TIME TEST

Southeast Missouri State University's basketball Indians have not looked overly impressive so far, something that doesn't really surprise head coach Gary Garner.

Garner knew that, with so many new players performing key roles for the Indians, they might be a little sluggish early, particularly offensively.

And that has been the case as the 2-1 Indians have posted easy home wins over lower-division teams Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Central Methodist and lost by two points at Bradley.

Garner, with considerably more talent to work with this year as opposed to his first season at SEMO, expects this team to get better and better as the season goes along, even if there are some early bumps in the road.

That being said, Garner knows the Indians will have to smooth out the ride in a hurry if they expect to compete with their next opponent. Louisiana Tech will be at the Show Me Center Monday night loaded with all kinds of credentials.

Speaking to him after Friday's win over Central Methodist, you could tell that the ultra-competitive Garner was really looking forward to taking on a team like the Bulldogs -- even if he doesn't know if the Indians can prevail.

Even if SEMO falls short, Garner figures to learn a lot about where his squad stands at this point in the season.

As a big-time college basketball fan -- you could probably call me a college hoops junkie -- I can't wait for Monday's contest.

Louisiana Tech figures to be loaded this year. The Bulldogs have already won at Baylor and are regarded as one of the top teams in the Sun Belt Conference. They feature a host of talented athletes, including 6-foot-5 guard Lonnie Cooper, expected to be a first-round NBA draft choice.

The Indians have some athletes of their own and, playing at home, figure to at least give the Bulldogs a run for their money.

A loss would really do nothing to dim the Indians' outlook for the season, which is barely under way. But a win would certainly be a boost for a program that definitely appears to be on the rise under Garner and his staff.

SEMO has had some decent crowds for its first two home games, but nothing special, which was to be expected against the likes of SIU-E and Central Methodist.

But there's no reason a huge crowd shouldn't be on hand for Monday's game against a team that Garner says will be one of the best squads to ever play in the Show Me Center.

And who knows -- a large and extremely noisy throng of fans cheering the Indians on just might turn out to be the impetus SEMO needs to pull off the upset.

This is your chance to step up, SEMO fans.

Don't let the team down.

* Although many teams won't play their first games until next week, the area high school basketball season tips off this week, with a few games scheduled for as early as Monday.

* Cape Central standout swimmer Jason Owen recently signed a letter of intent with SIU-Carbondale.

More details and a complete story on the signing will be coming soon.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian