While opening night for college hoops is a small sample size, it can reveal clues about how teams might fare in the long run. Here are some big storylines from Day 1 and whether they’re overreactions or valid takeaways.
Saint Louis is in trouble without Robbie Avila: Not an overreaction
During their Field of 68 matchup against Santa Clara, Billikens’ star big man Robbie Avila suffered a serious ankle injury. Before his exit, Avila filled the stat sheet with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks — a typical “Cream Abdul-Jabbar-like performance” for him. A team already struggling with depth will be without its standout player for upcoming matchups against Wichita State, San Francisco and Grand Canyon.
McNeese this season is not as good as advertised: Overreaction
Yes, the Cowboys dropped their first game to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, but two factors should be considered. First, although technically a neutral site, the Jackrabbits’ proximity — just 50 minutes from the Sanford Pentagon — drew a solid fan presence. Second, McNeese has several new players who need time to build chemistry and improve during non-conference play. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t lose faith in the college basketball Cowboys just yet.
Lipscomb could be a No. 12 or 13 seed this season: Not an overreaction
In one of the most impressive wins of the night, Lipscomb defeated the Duquesne Dukes, 77-72, in Pittsburgh. Even more impressive, two key contributors, Kellan Boylan and Dylan Faulkner, did not suit up. If Jacob Ognacevic continues putting up 30-point double-doubles and his teammates step up, the sky’s the limit for this team.
UAB is not the favorite for the American Conference title: Overreaction
Although it was a buy game, UAB faced a Vermont Catamounts team known for making the NCAA Tournament under John Becker. Vermont held the Blazers to 10 attempts from distance while shooting 37% from deep themselves in a 67-62 win. However, this Blazers team, picked first in the preseason poll, has too much talent to lose its status as the American Conference favorite.
The West Coast Conference might get three bids this year: Not an overreaction
Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga, and Santa Clara won their season openers on Monday. Gonzaga, in particular, claimed a signature win in the Mark Few era with a 101-63 rout of No. 6 Baylor. However, Santa Clara stood out most with its victory over St. Louis, showcasing an offense led by Adama Bal’s 24 points. Come March, the WCC could very well see three teams earn bids.
