8 North Carolina @ Wofford:
Last season, you may have remembered that Wofford went into Chapel Hill and upset the Tar Heels. North Carolina is reloaded and ready for revenge, this time, in Spartanburg. The Terriers return top scorer and Southern conference leading scorer, senior Fletcher Magee, who dropped 27 on North Carolina in last season’s victory. The Tar Heels lose starters Joel Berry and Theo Pinson to the NBA. But, North Carolina returns top Wooden Award preseason candidate Luke Maye for his senior season, along with another top 15 recruiting class coach Roy Williams has formed. This includes five stars Nassir Little and Coby White. Look out for Wofford to repeat as upset predators, but expect North Carolina to be on the lookout on opening night.
Florida @ 17 Florida State:
Probably the best matchup not counting the Champions Classic features in-state rivals look to rule the state. Florida will look to end the four game drought against Florida State. Florida State returns the majority of their scoring, including leading scorer and rebounder, Phil Cofer. But, the departures of starting PG CJ Walker to transfer, second best player Braian Angola to graduation, and Ikey Obiagu to transfer. Florida is losing star seniors Chris Chiozza and Egor Koulechov, but keeping leading scorer Jalen Hudson, along with other top players and a solid, top 20 recruiting class. This game will be very intriguing, with both teams trying to find new identities. The Cofer vs. Hudson matchup will be a delight.
Western Kentucky @ 25 Washington:
The late night slate is something you definitely stay up to watch, starting with Western Kentucky vs. Washington. Both squads finished last season in the NIT, with the Hilltoppers making the semifinals. Western Kentucky should finish atop Conference USA. The Hilltoppers return dynamic duo of guards, Lamonte Bearden and Taveion Hollingsworth. The biggest addition for Western Kentucky is five star freshman center Charles Bassey who will fill the starting role. For Washington, their top seven scorers are back and ready for an NCAA Tournament run. Even though this game is in Alaska Airlines Arena, Western Kentucky definitely has the pieces to pull off the opening night upset.
BYU @ 7 Nevada:
The final matchup of the night features regional opponents from the west coast. Nevada starts the season ranked seventh, the highest in program history. For the Wolf Pack, the stakes have never been higher. Nevada returns the Martin brothers and Jordan Caroline to finish unfinished business in their college careers before the next level. Also, coach Eric Musselman received a gift of a big man, four star center Jordan Brown chose the Wolf Pack over hotter recruiting spots to work in tandem with the Martin’s and Caroline. This opening night test will be no easy one, though. BYU returns two of their top three scorers from a year ago, Yoeli Childs and TJ Haws, following their early exit from the NIT.
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