Missouri Western coach Tom Smith knew the challenge for his men's basketball team this season before practice even started: offensive consistency.

It was the struggle in 2008-09, and it's an issue early this season.

But the latest on-the-court lesson arrives tonight at the Griffons' annual early season showcase, the Hillyard Classic.

"We're going to be trying to work through our shooting woes a little bit," Smith said, "and hope we can improve on our shooting percentage."

Western struggled in its regular season opener Tuesday against Quincy. The Griffons hit just 27 percent of their shots in the first half, digging themselves into a hole they couldn't quite get out of even with a second-half surge.

The Griffons had at least one steady presence on offense. Forward Marcus Rhodes hit 10 of 15 shots for 25 points to go with eight rebounds.

"We need to find ways to compensate for the times when we don't shoot the ball well," Smith said. "There are going to be some of those times for us."

Defense and rebounding kept the Griffons in the game, and Smith said his team will have to continue improving in those areas this weekend with the tough field that will be featured at MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons face Lincoln at 7:30 tonight. The Blue Tigers (4-20 last season) lost their opener this year, but Smith said Lincoln has an athletic team with some size.

An even bigger test comes Saturday. Central Oklahoma made the NCAA Division II regional playoff last season, and they brought back seven players from that 24-6 team.

The Bronchos' top weapon is senior guard Eric Cazenave. He averages about 12 points and 3.7 rebounds a game.

"They have a lot of quickness, great athletic ability and shoot it really well," Smith said. "They're a team a lot like many of our good teams, with a bunch of 6-4, 6-5 guys who are active and aggressive."

Central Oklahoma, ranked 17th in Division II to begin the season, are just one of several tough opponents the Griffons face before entering the MIAA portion of their schedule.

"Not many teams in Division II play tough opponents to start out the year," Smith said. "But I think your team just gets better from facing tough competition."