As the Panthers prepare for their second preseason game, they are indifferent to the opponent entering Lantz Arena.

What new Eastern new head coach Mike Miller is attempting to do in the final tune up before his team starts its regular season next week at Xavier is evaluate personnel in a game-like atmosphere.

“I think we can simulate game-type situations in practice and I think starting spots along with playing time will be earned there,” Miller said. “I would hope they think games are easier than our practices.”

In a 48-hour period. Miller will go from bartender to Division I basketball coach-a position he says he feels much more comfortable in-as he and the rest of the staff spent an evening working at Marty’s in a charity event.

“It was a great experience, trust me,” Miller said. “It was wonderful to see that many people working together for a great cause.”

Miller has put Eastern players in disadvantaged positions when practicing its offense during specific drills.

“We have gone 5 on 6 or 3 on 4 because we want our players to be able to work harder for quality shots,” Miller said. “This makes the game seem a little more open when it’s 5 on 5.”

Eastern’s fans got their first look at the team last Thursday when freshman point guard Mike Robinson, a Hales Franciscan product, was impressive in his college debut with 18 points and 7 assists.

“I think it’s a continual process with him,” Miller said. “What we tell him along with everybody else is the goal is to get better every practice of every day.”

Eastern won its season-opening exhibition 85-61 over NAIA Illinois-Springfield but Miller and the coaching staff are looking for more execution at the defensive end.

“Consistency is what we’re looking for in this game,” Miller said. “That’s all we’re talking about in practice.to get our level of play up for the entire 40 minutes.

“We want to have fewer breakdowns.mental or physical. We also want to improve our defense in the paint.”

The last time Olivet Nazarene stepped foot in Lantz Arena was the 1987-88 season when the Panthers won 88-60. The Tigers made it to the NAIA Final Four in 2000 and are returning three starters from a team that went 20-12 last season.

Miller says the Tigers will present different challenges to this young team that is trying to effectively prepare for its first 10 games, seven of which will be on the road.

“We have to be prepared for that first game at Xavier and it may be the toughest opening 10-game stretch in Eastern history,” Miller said.

Tip off is set for 7:30 tonight.