Thankfully, one of the more bizarre college basketball offseasons in recent memory is now over (Coach Cal, Rick Pitino: looking in your direction), and it’s time to get on with the games. Over the first four nights of the season, viewers lucky enough to have access to ESPNU and Big Ten Network will get to see the “Regional Rounds” of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. These games have no bearing on the championship chances of the four host schools, as they’ll be in New York next Thursday and Friday to play for the title, even if they do slip up over the next few nights. But since the teams have to play the games, here’s a rundown of what’s on tap on this first night of the season (all times are Eastern).
It’s College Hoops Opening Night! Check Out What’s On Tap While Getting Fitted For Your Tuxedo
- At 7 p.m. on ESPNU, Isiah Thomas makes his official Division I coaching debut against a No. 6 North Carolina team he whined about having to play against. Yes, he complained about having to play the defending national champions because, in his mind, playing Ohio State would’ve been stiffer competition. Tonight’s game comes days after his FIU Golden Panthers dropped an exhibition game to NAIA Northwood (coached by Rollie Massimino), and just after his mother suffered a heart attack. (She told him to coach.) You can visit our UNC site, Carolina March, for more discussion on this one.
- At 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network, No. 16 Ohio State hosts an Alcorn State team they should have little trouble beating. Our Buckeye site, We Will Always Have Tempe, will have more on this contest.
- The “Night of Teams Who Suffered Embarrassing Exhibition Losses” continues on ESPNU at 9 p.m., as Syracuse welcomes Albany to the Carrier Dome, with Orange fans hoping the team will play a little D tonight. For this one, visit Sean Keeley over at Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician.
- Finally at 11 p.m. on ESPNU, I’m going to try to stay awake for No. 13 California and Murray State from Berkeley, especially as there are no games tomorrow night. California Golden Blogs is the place to go during that one.
I’ll be providing updates and commentary throughout at least the first three games on the left rail of our NCAA basketball page, and I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts as the evening rolls on.
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