DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Duhawks return to the Athletic & Wellness Center for the opening of conference play on Wednesday night when they host Buena Vista. The Beavers were picked to finish first in the IIAC preseason poll and is riding a three-game winning streak. Loras returns home after winning their last two games in Florida at the "Land of Magic Classic" hosted by Embry-Riddle University.

ABOUT BUENA VISTA ...
The Beavers enter the Athletic & Wellness Center with hopes of pushing their win streak to four, after wins over Bethany Lutheran, Delaware Valley, and Hartwick.

Buena Vista's high powered offense is anchored by a trio of upperclassmen. At guard, senior Cole Darrow (14.8 ppg) and junior Nick Clark (13.7) pace the perimiter play. On the inside, the Beavers are led by sophomore Kennedy Drey. As the team's leading rebounder (7.6 rpg), Drey makes his presence known in the paint, boasting a team-best 68.5 field-goal percentage.

Loras' guards will have to lock down on Darrow and Clark on defense, as the Duhawks look to open Iowa Conference play with a victory.

DUHAWKS SHINE BRIGHT IN THE SUNSHINE STATE …
While soaking in the Florida sun, the Duhawks snapped a five game losing streak with wins over Lebanon Valley and Oswego State and the Land of Magic Classic in Daytona, Florida. Junior Mirko Grcic had a spectacular showing, totaling 35 points, 22 rebounds, four steals, and three assists on the trip.

RETURN OF SMITH SPARKS DUHAWKS TURNAROUND …
After sustaining an injury in Loras' season opener, senior guard Nathaniel Smith returned to the court against Lebanon Valley. In his first game since mid-November, Smith tallied six points, four rebounds, three assists, and one block. Smith followed up his performance with a team-best six assists along with five points, nine rebounds, and two steals. The Lincoln, Illinois native is set to make his home debut on Wednesday. His leadership, court vision, and all-around play will provide the Duhawks with a lift to start the conference season.

NEW YEAR BRINGS ABOUT A NEW SEASON FOR LORAS …
Finishing the 2014 portion of this season's schedule, the Duhawks look to improve upon their 5-6 showing with a strong start to the difficult Iowa Conference schedule. With nearly ten days of prepartion, the Duhawks open the season at home on Wednesday before traveling to Coe College on Saturday. Loras was tabbed to finish third in the conference in the Iowa Conference Coach's Poll to begin the season but are determined to contend for the conference title. Seniors Nathaniel Smith and Aaron Schueller will likely be the keys to Loras' success in the conference.