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Charleston (0-0) vs. Southern Illinois (0-0) – 12:00 PM ET (YouTube)
While there is one game that starts at 11:00 AM between IU-Indianapolis and non-D1 IU-Columbus, the season begins in earnest at noontime in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the historic Sanford Pentagon. The College of Charleston begins the season with a new coach in Chris Mack; his one-time assistant Pat Kelsey took over at Louisville during the offseason. Two notable players stayed behind – CAA Preseason Player of the Year Ante Brzovic and CAA 2nd Teamer CJ Fulton.
There is also a change in the coaching ranks for Southern Illinois – Scott Nagy left behind a perennial Horizon League contender in Wright State to take over as head coach of the Salukis. Kennard Davis is one of three players returning from last year’s team; he was a third team-preseason MVC pick. Ali Dibba was another third team-MVC pick; he played last year for Abilene Christian.