Sun Belt openers

The UALR men open Sun Belt Conference play on Thursday against preseason favorite North Texas. If history is any indication, the Trojans will be ready to play.
UALR is 6-1 in Sun Belt openers under Coach Steve Shields. The only loss came last year at South Alabama. But it would be difficult to say they weren't ready to play that night. UALR led until senior forward Mike Smith tore his anterior cruciate ligament early in the second half. And after falling behind, UALR still fought back and had a chance to tie on the final play of the game.
Here's the results from the first seven seasons under Shields.
2003-2004  W 65-53 at Florida International
2004-2005  W 67-57 vs. Florida International
2005-2006  W 55-53 at Florida International
2006-2007  W 73-47 vs. Denver
2007-2008  W 75-67 vs. Florida International
2008-2009  W 65-59 vs. Arkansas State
2009-2010  L 74-71 at South Alabama
2010-2011  Thursday at North Texas