Bradley (3-0) vs. USC (2-1)
MasMutual Center; Springfield, MA
4:05 CT
The Bradley Braves will take their undefeated record on the road as they continue their participation in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off. The Braves will be coming off a close 59-57 win over Loyola-Marymount. The Braves may have an unblemished record, but they certainly have the fans worried what will happen when they face a tough opponent.
Many thought that opponent would be the Trojans of USC when the tournament field was announced, but the Trojans have seen better days. Coming off a loss to Rider, yes, Rider to a tune of 77-57, USC will be looking to regroup fast.
Oral Roberts (0-2) vs. Indiana State (1-3)
Mabee Center; Tulsa, OK
7:05 CT
Many Valley fans wondered how the Sycamores would fare after the departure of head coach Kevin McKenna. Well, so far it has been a bit tough. The Sycamores are sitting at 1-3 and are coming off a loss to Ball State 75-60. Things will need to change quickly this season, as you really don’t want to start the season off in too big of a hole.
Oral Roberts is on a bit of a slide of their own. After the loss to inner city rival Tulsa on national television 83-68, the Golden Eagles will need to play a crisp game and get back on the winning track. If there is one thing we know, it is that coach Sutton has the ability to turn the team around.
Milwaukee (2-2) vs. Northern Iowa (1-1)
U.S. Cellular Arena; Milwaukee, WI
7:00 CT
After starting the season with four road games, the Panthers finally get the opportunity to play their home opener. They finished the road trip 2-2, picking up wins over Niagara and UC-Davis in the AIA Classis in Portland, Oregon. In their recent win against Niagara, four Panthers scored in double figures, leading the way was Tony Boyle with 27.
The UNI Panthers did what it was supposed to do last game. With the hype surrounding the raising of their Sweet Sixteen banner, after the ceremonies concluded, they went out and pounded their Division III opponent, an 84-45 victory over Coe College. Sophomore guard Anthony James led the Panthers with 18 and is leading the team in scoring this season with 15 ppg.