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NCAA Basketball: Top 15 opening week games for 2018-19

By Brad Cavallaro

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Quade Green #0 during the game against the Troy Torjans at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Quade Green #0 during the game against the Troy Torjans at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: Tacko Fall #24 of the UCF Knights looks on during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: Tacko Fall #24 of the UCF Knights looks on during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

12. Rider at UCF

Tuesday 11/6, 6:30 PM ET, ESPN3

This could be the year that UCF breaks through and lives up to the preseason expectations. Unfortunately, a quality veteran team, Rider, is coming to Orlando to give the Knights a stiff opening challenge.

UCF has been plagued with injuries, but their big three of Tacko Fall, BJ Taylor, and Aubrey Dawkins should be healthy for their senior seasons. In 17-18, Dawkins missed the entire season while Fall and Taylor missed half the year. The Knights are undeniably talented, but their core will need to stay healthy if they are to reach the postseason.

The Rider Broncs had a terrific 17-18 season and have returned their top 6 scorers (5 in double figures). Freshman wing Dimencio Vaughn had an amazing freshman season where he averaged 16.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg. Rider’s frontcourt is also extremely strong as Frederick Scott and Tyere Marshall are extremely skilled and athletic compared to typical mid-major big men. The Broncs should finish at the top of the MAAC once again, but hopefully have better luck in the conference tournament.

Rider vs UCF is one of the most interesting games of the opening week. It is a shame that it will be lost in the shuffle as there are many other games on the same night (and later in this article) that are more appealing. I think UCF is a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender and they prove it from the start of the season.

Prediction: UCF over Rider

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