NCAA Basketball: Top 10 games to watch on opening night of 2021-22 season
10. Appalachian State at Iona – 7 pm ET. on ESPN3
There are a lot of eyes on Rick Pitino and the Gaels, who are considered to be the heavy favorites to not only win the MAAC this season but to potentially go unbeaten through league play. Transfers Elijah Joiner and Tyson Jolly are two of the best players in the league, while big men Nelly Junior Joseph and Dylan Van Eyck are talented as well.
But don’t overlook the Mountaineers, who return the top five scorers from a team that won 17 games last season. That includes the senior trio of guards, Michael Almonacy, Justin Forrest, and Adrian Delph. There’s plenty of depth and experience for App State to make this not only a game but set Iona back and start to temper expectations going forward.
Prediction: Iona 65, Appalachian State 58
9. Bellarmine at No. 7 Purdue – 7 pm ET. on Check Local Listings
The Boilermakers return just about everyone from last season, including sophomore Jaden Ivey, a potential NBA Draft lottery pick and consensus national breakout candidate. 7’4 center Zach Edey has been getting a lot of hype as well, while 19 ppg big man Trevion Williams has somehow flown under the radar on this team.
After losing so much talent from last season, Bellarmine isn’t expected to up much of a fight in this one. But how Purdue utilizes Ivey and the big men will be an interesting storyline to watch, as there are some questions as to how much Edey and Williams will play together.